Premier League panel unanimously agree on Arsenal red card controversy in final verdict

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The Premier League Key Match Incidents panel have unanimously agreed on what the outcome of Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes' kick on Emi Martinez should have been

The Premier League Key Match Incidents panel have unanimously backed Chris Kavanagh and his Video Assistant Referee team's decision not to dismiss Gabriel Magalhaes during Arsenal's encounter with Chelsea. The north London side came away 2-1 victors against the Blues earlier this month, but the match was not without its share of controversy.

Arsenal saw Riccardo Calafiori's strike chalked off for offside, while Kai Havertz's leveller was permitted to stand despite a marginal offside call. Both rulings also received unanimous 5:0 backing from the panel.

But Gabriel's challenge on Emi Martinez may have been the most divisive moment of the match. With Chelsea still leading through Morgan Rogers' strike, Martinez attempted to gather a low free kick from Martin Odegaard. Scrambling for the ball, Gabriel caught the Chelsea goalkeeper in the face when he aimed a kick at the ball.

The ball subsequently slipped from the Argentine's grasp, but no punishment was forthcoming despite protests from Reece James and Joao Pedro. Martinez clutched his head and received treatment but was able to continue.

VAR chose not to send Kavanagh to the monitor to review the situation, and ultimately the KMI panel have decided that was the right call. The panel is made up of three former players or coaches, one representative from the Premier League, and one from Pro Ref (Professional Game Referees).

They also released the following statement: "The panel unanimously supported the referee's call of no red card. 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."

While that group was unanimous in their backing of Kavanagh, the outcome may come as a surprise to Wayne Rooney. Speaking on Match of the Day, Rooney claimed Gabriel was 'extremely lucky' not to receive his marching orders.

> "Martinez has got the ball, and he [Gabriel] boots him on the head," Rooney said. "He's got the ball in two hands, way over the top of the ball, and he boots him in the head, so I think he's extremely lucky to stay on the pitch."

Ashley Young, also on the show, concurred. "I'm exactly the same way," Young said.

> "When the ball is on the floor, and Martínez has got it in his hands, Gabriel kicks so high. I'm not sure why it's not gone to VAR, and they've looked at it properly, studied it, because he's nowhere near the ball - I think he's got away with one there."

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