Gabriel Yellow Card vs Sunderland: Explanation Emerges

· GiveMeSport

An explanation has emerged for why referee John Brooks booked Gabriel late on during Arsenal's 2-0 win over Sunderland

Arsenal fans were left perplexed after defender Gabriel received a yellow card towards the end of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Sunderland .

The Gunners secured a hard-fought 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light to maintain their perfect start to the 2026-27 campaign.

David Raya saved an Enzo Le Fee penalty early in the second half before Bruno Guimaraes scored a stunning first goal for Arsenal following his summer move from Newcastle United . The Brazilian rubbed salt into Sunderland wounds with his celebration and post-match social media activity.

Bukayo Saka netted a penalty deep in stoppage-time as reigning Premier League champions Arsenal made it 12 points from a possible 12.

However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left fuming by referee John Brooks’ decision to award Sunderland a penalty, describing the call as “unacceptable at this level” .

Arsenal supporters were equally incensed. They also want to know why Brooks decided to book Gabriel, who appeared to be de-escalating a tense situation between the two sets of players.

Sunderland substitute Wilson Isidor pulled Bruno Guimaraes, who appeared to be in pain, by the shirt from the ground.

Gabriel reacted by gently pushing a couple of Sunderland player away before pulling his teammates away from a potential melee.

The Brazilian was left in disbelief after the referee then flashed a yellow card in his direction. Watch the footage below:

One fan wrote on X (Twitter): “I’ve watched this 10 times and the only logical explanation for the ref booking Gabriel here is that he thought he was…[Ezri] Konsa? What a farce.”

Another said: “I don't understand what happened here… why was Gabriel booked?”

A third added: “Gabriel just got a yellow card for STOPPING the fighting?!”

Flashscore’s data shows Gabriel’s booking was categorised as ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’ - presumably for those initial pushes after Isidor pulled the shirt of Guimaraes.

A little harsh? Quite possibly. Gabriel appeared to be doing more to calm the situation down, as opposed to intensifying things.

Nevertheless, Arsenal march on with another victory and are clearly the team to beat in the Premier League this season.

Arteta’s side have now won nine consecutive Premier League matches, stretching back to last season, which is their longest run since the 2003-04 Invincibles season.

Next up for Arsenal is a Carabao Cup clash away at Ipswich Town’s Portman Road on Tuesday night. The Gunners then resume their Premier League campaign away at Brighton on Saturday before the three-week international break commences.

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