Premier League25 min ago1 minute read

No Red Card for Gabriel: Panel Rules on Martinez Head Kick Incident

An independent panel has ruled that Arsenal defender Gabriel should not have been sent off for kicking Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez in the head.

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Panel backs officials over Gabriel incident

A Premier League review panel has unanimously agreed that Arsenal defender Gabriel did not deserve a red card for kicking Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez.

The incident occurred during a match at the Emirates Stadium on September 6. Gabriel's left foot struck Martinez in the face as a number of players scrambled for the ball.

Referee Chris Kavanagh did not take any action on the pitch during the game. VAR official Darren England supported the referee's call.

The Key Match Incidents panel reviewed the clash and backed the approach of the officials. In its report, which was published on Wednesday, the panel stated that they unanimously supported the referee's call of no red card.

The panel explained that multiple players were on the ground competing and challenging for the loose ball. They ruled that the action of Gabriel was not deemed to be an act of violent conduct or serious foul play.

Arsenal seek answers on other refereeing calls

The Key Match Incidents panel is made up of five members. It includes three former players and coaches, one representative from the Premier League, and one representative from Pro Ref.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are understood to have contacted Pro Ref earlier this week for clarification on a different incident. This was about the awarding of a penalty to Sunderland in their most recent Premier League match on September 12.

In that match, Ezri Konsa was penalised for holding Sunderland's Dan Ballard. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta was unhappy with the penalty call. He said the decision was "unacceptable".

What it means for the next game

Brentford vs Chelsea (Premier League, Fri, 18 Sep): Brentford win 38%, draw 25%, Chelsea win 37%; expected goals 1.58 to 1.56. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Arsenal (Premier League, Sat, 19 Sep): Brighton & Hove Albion win 23%, draw 26%, Arsenal win 52%; expected goals 1.02 to 1.66. Our safest pick: Arsenal or Draw.