Why Gabriel avoided a red card against Chelsea

Arsenal defender Gabriel escaped a red card after his boot connected with Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s face during Sunday’s Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium, according to a report by the Evening Standard.

The incident occurred as Arsenal sought an immediate response after falling behind inside the opening two minutes. From a free-kick, captain Martin Odegaard caught the Chelsea defence cold with a low delivery, sparking a goalmouth melee. Tussling for the ball with Jorrel Hato while attempting a shot on target, Gabriel’s boot made contact with Martinez’s face, leaving the goalkeeper requiring treatment.

Despite the contact raising the possibility of a red card for violent conduct, referee Chris Kavanagh opted against issuing a card, a decision that was supported by VAR following a review, sparking debate on social media.

Arsenal went on to equalise Morgan Rogers’ early goal through Kai Havertz, after Riccardo Calafiori had an earlier effort ruled out for offside.

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According to Sky Sports, VAR checked the incident. Play restarted with no action taken — accidental contact, was the verdict.

The decision hinges on Law 12. Violent conduct only applies when a player uses excessive force against an opponent while not challenging for the ball, so if Gabriel is judged to be going for it, that route closes immediately.

Serious foul play covers a challenge on the ball that uses excessive force or endangers safety — but the test is recklessness, not outcome. The referee isn’t asked whether the contact looked bad, only whether the action was reckless.