The Premier League have released a statement after Arsenal defender Gabriel controversially avoided a straight red card for a headbutt on Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
The incident occurred in the closing stages of the match. Sky Sports’ co-commentator Gary Neville said: "I can't believe that's not a red” after referee Anthony Taylor only showed the Brazilian a yellow card. Haaland was also booked for the altercation. Watch the incident below:
Former Premier League ref Mike Dean was asked to cast his verdict on Sky Sports. He initially said: "They have both gone head-to-head. There's not excessive force by Gabriel but he has pushed his head towards Haaland a little bit more. I think the way the game has gone with those two I think a yellow card is just about right. But I wouldn't have been surprised if Gabriel had been sent off.”
However, after reviewing the footage, Dean added: "Looking at it again. I think he's very lucky."
The Premier League released a statement shortly after the incident, explaining why Gabriel was not sent off. The statement read:
“The referee’s call of no red card was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action from Gabriel deemed not to be excessively aggressive or violent.”
Man City Secure Huge Win Over Arsenal
Man City goal
Man City goal
In the end, the decision didn’t affect the full-time result.
Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to three points heading into the final weeks of the 2025-26 campaign after securing a crucial 2-1 win over Mikel Arteta’s side at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
City, who will go above Arsenal on goal difference if they defeat Burnley away on Wednesday, won the biggest match of the Premier League season so far and now have their fate firmly in their own hands.
Rayan Cherki put City 1-0 up in the 16th minute with a neat finish after executing some exquisite footwork inside the Arsenal box. However, a howler from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma moments later gifted Arsenal the softest of equalisers.
Kai Havertz closed down the Italian shot-stopper, who watched on in error as the ball nestled into the top corner of the net.
Arsenal’s equaliser temporarily restored their six-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table, but Erling Haaland’s second-half goal could prove to be the decisive moment in the title race.