Arsenal’s win over Chelsea has one piece of legacy controversy – kick from a defender which many fans thought should be a red.
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Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been cleared of violent conduct by the Premier League’s key match incident panel.
Five minutes into the exciting game at the Emirates, a scramble on the floor at a set piece lead to a kick from the Brazilian making contact with Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s face.
“The panel unanimously supported the referee’s call of no red card,” the KMI ruling said.
“Multiple players were on the ground competing and challenging for the loose ball, and the action of Gabriel was not deemed to be an act of violent conduct or serious foul play.”
Gabriel gets away with more set piece shenanigans
As much as it is galling to see Arsenal (who already exploit the set piece rules so ruthlessly) get away with this, we do have to agree that it was more reckless than dangerous. Gabriel was trying to kick the ball, and connected with Martinez instead. He should have been booked, and the goal ruled out (which ultimately it was anyway) but a red would have been so far, especially in the form of retrospective action.
Let’s get our revenge on the pitch, not off it.
In other news…
Levi Colwill is first choice right now, but if he slows down there are lots of players wanting to take his place. He spoke a little about that pressure.
Jon Obi Mikel has been speaking about Reece James and his role in midfield for this current Chelsea team.
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