Match ReportMirror FootballUnverified source· 7 Sept 2026
Gabriel 'extremely lucky' to avoid red card in Arsenal win
A stray boot to the face went unpunished, sparking debate over the defender's fate.
Arsenal— – —
NS · Premier League
ChelseaCompetition
Premier League
Score
Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Incident
Gabriel kicked Emi Martinez in the face
Venue
Emirates Stadium
What happened. Gabriel escaped punishment after catching Emi Martinez with his foot during a goalmouth scramble in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Chelsea.
- No foul was given by referee Chris Kavanagh.
- VAR did not intervene despite the incident.
- Wayne Rooney said Gabriel was 'extremely lucky'.
“You don't really see it at first sight but then when”
— Wayne Rooney
The debate over the incident could influence future VAR decisions on similar challenges.
Read the full story at Mirror Football →
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