Premier League Panel Backs Gabriel After Martinez Collision

Gabriel will face no further action over his early collision with Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after the Premier League’s Key Match Incident Panel unanimously backed the decision not to send off the Arsenal defender during the champions’ 2-1 win on September 6.

Panel backs Kavanagh and VAR decision

The incident came five minutes into a frantic London derby at the Emirates Stadium. As several players challenged for a loose ball in the Chelsea area, Gabriel’s raised boot struck Martinez on the head and the Argentine required treatment.

• Referee Chris Kavanagh did not produce a red card, having had his view blocked by players in the crowded penalty area.
• VAR examined the incident but did not advise Kavanagh to review it at the pitchside monitor.
• All five members of the Key Match Incident Panel supported the final on-field outcome.
• The panel concluded that Gabriel’s action was neither violent conduct nor serious foul play.

In its explanation, the panel said the number of players on the ground competing for possession was a significant factor. It considered the contact part of a congested challenge for the ball rather than conduct warranting a dismissal.

Rooney and Young dispute the outcome

The decision did not end the debate around the challenge. Wayne Rooney argued that the replay showed Gabriel had been fortunate to remain on the field, saying Martinez had possession when the Arsenal player swung his leg high and made contact with the goalkeeper’s head.

Ashley Young took a similar view, questioning why the VAR review did not result in a more detailed examination. Young said Gabriel was not close to playing the ball when his boot connected with Martinez.

Arsenal maintain perfect start

Gabriel’s reprieve proved important as Arsenal recovered from an early setback to preserve their 100 per cent league record. Morgan Rogers, a £117m signing, put Chelsea ahead inside two minutes, but Kai Havertz levelled against his former club before Martin Odegaard scored the decisive goal in the 50th minute.

• Arsenal won 2-1 after falling behind in the opening stages.
• Mikel Arteta’s side have four victories from four Premier League fixtures.
• Gabriel has still not received a straight red card in 265 Arsenal appearances.
• Since joining from Lille in 2020, the Brazilian has collected 32 yellow cards and two red cards, both for second cautions.

Chelsea’s clean-sheet run extends

For Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea, the defeat again highlighted problems at the back. The Blues have now completed 20 successive Premier League games without a clean sheet, leaving a major defensive concern despite the club’s heavy investment in the squad.