Gabriel avoids red card for boot in face of Emi Martinez as Premier League gives explanation

Gabriel escaped a red card during the first half of Arsenal’s clash against Chelsea after clashing with Emi Martinez.

The Gunners defender appeared to kick out at the opposition goalkeeper following a free-kick.

Martin Odegaard’s low delivery created a goal-mouth scramble inside the six-yard box.

Gabriel had gone to ground as he tussled for the ball with Jorrel Hato.

Gabriel kicks Martinez’s face

However, in his attempts to prod the ball towards goal, his boot connected with Martinez’s face.

The World Cup winner was left requiring treatment after he had stayed down in agony.

Replays showed Gabriel had made contact as he swiped his leg at the ball whilst on the floor.

He escaped punishment for his rash antics, though, with referee Chris Kavanagh not brandishing a card.

Why was Gabriel not sent off?

His on-field decision was supported by VAR following a check of the incident.

Had the review deemed Gabriel had exhibited serious foul play, the Brazil international would have been sent off.

It came just minutes after Chelsea had raced into an early lead at the Emirates Stadium.

Morgan Rogers’ effort in the second minute opened the scoring.

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Arsenal thought they had equalised through Riccardo Calafiori ten minutes later.

However, his strike was ruled out due to an offside against Ezri Konsa earlier in the move.

Despite the disallowed effort, the Gunners were level before the break thanks to Kai Havertz’s equaliser.

Gabriel has previously been sent off twice for Arsenal in 265 appearances for the club.

Since his arrival from Lille in 2020, he has also been shown 32 yellow cards.

Both of his dismissals came as second yellows cards after earlier being cautioned.

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The most recent of those occurred during a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City in January 2022.

Having already been booked for dissent, Gabriel was sent off just two minutes later after a second yellow card.