A controversial early incident involving Arsenal defender Gabriel and Chelsea goalkeeper Martinez has been cleared by the Premier League's Key Match Incident Panel (KMI), despite strong criticism from former players and pundits.
Key Points:
- Gabriel made contact with Chelsea goalkeeper Martinez's head during the opening five minutes of the derby.
- Referee Chris Kavanagh did not show a red card, while VAR opted against recommending a pitchside review.
- The five-member KMI panel unanimously backed the officials' decision.
- Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young both questioned why Gabriel was not sent off.
The Flashpoint in Arsenal's Chelsea Derby
Just five minutes into Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Chelsea, Gabriel's boot made contact with Martinez's head during a scramble inside the penalty area. The Chelsea goalkeeper required immediate medical attention following the incident.
Referee Chris Kavanagh did not dismiss Gabriel, with his view obscured by several players in the crowded penalty area. The VAR team reviewed the incident but did not recommend that Kavanagh check the pitchside monitor, allowing the game to continue.
KMI's Unanimous Verdict Backs Gabriel
The Premier League's Key Match Incident Panel has now reviewed the challenge, with all five members supporting the decision not to issue a red card. The panel highlighted the congested nature of the penalty area, where several players were competing for a loose ball. It concluded that Gabriel's action did not constitute violent conduct or serious foul play.
The decision means Gabriel retains his record of never receiving a straight red card in 265 appearances for Arsenal. Since joining the club from Lille in 2020, the Brazilian has collected 32 yellow cards and been sent off twice, with both dismissals coming after second yellow cards.
Rooney and Young Question Gabriel's Escape
The KMI's decision contrasts with the views of several pundits. Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney criticised the challenge on BBC Match of the Day, arguing that the replay showed Gabriel was fortunate to remain on the pitch.
Rooney said Gabriel swung his leg over the top while Martinez had the ball in his hands, describing the incident as a challenge for which the Arsenal defender was “extremely lucky” not to be sent off.
Former Chelsea player Ashley Young agreed with Rooney and also questioned the VAR process. He argued that Gabriel's boot was raised high and that the defender appeared to be nowhere near the ball when contact was made.
Arsenal Maintain Perfect Start Against Chelsea
Despite the controversy, Arsenal recovered from an early setback to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League campaign. Morgan Rogers, signed for £117 million, gave Chelsea the lead inside two minutes before Kai Havertz equalised against his former club.
Captain Martin Odegaard then completed the comeback with the winning goal in the 50th minute, giving Arsenal four wins from four matches.
For Chelsea, the defeat extended their defensive problems. The Blues have now gone 20 consecutive Premier League matches without a clean sheet, leaving Xabi Alonso's side with a major defensive issue to address.
Gabriel Incident Adds to Early-Season Derby Drama
The KMI ruling brings an official conclusion to the debate over Gabriel's challenge, with the panel unanimously supporting the decision made by Kavanagh and VAR.
While Rooney and Young remained critical of the decision, Gabriel will face no retrospective punishment for the incident and remains available as Arsenal continue their perfect start to the season.
