Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg says Gabriel Magalhaes was “very fortunate” to avoid a red card in Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City.
The Brazilian was involved in a confrontation with Erling Haaland during Sunday’s match, which saw City move within three points of the league leaders.
Gabriel appeared to push his head towards the Norwegian as the pair came face to face in the second half, but referee Anthony Taylor opted not to send off the Arsenal defender.
Although the incident was checked by video assistant referee John Brooks, Gabriel was shown only a yellow card, with the Premier League later issuing an explanation.
Gabriel ‘Fortunate’ Not to See Red
Gabriel and Erling Haaland
Gabriel and Erling Haaland
Clattenburg, speaking to Arsenal Insider, claimed Gabriel should have been sent off for violent conduct after appearing to throw his head towards Haaland.
“Gabriel is very fortunate not to receive a red card for violent conduct for an attempted head butt on Erling Haaland.
“When both players put their heads together, I would expect two yellow cards for adopting an aggressive attitude.
“But when Gabriel makes a clear movement of his head again, then a red card should have been shown even if contact was not made.”
Former FIFA and Premier League official Keith Hackett shared Clattenburg’s view, telling Football Insider:
“Referee Anthony Taylor took a very lenient view when Gabriel used his forehead against his opponent.
“The starting point of course is that both he and Haaland were facing each other with foreheads touching, but Gabriel’s movement was sufficient to warrant a red card.”
Former referee Mark Halsey, however, believes Taylor was correct not to send Gabriel off, telling The Sun Football:
“On balance, I thought two yellow cards was correct. If you look at Haaland, I think he’s done a massive favour. He’s done Gabriel a massive favour by staying on his feet.
“I think Anthony Taylor got that right, two yellow cards for adopting aggressive attitude towards each other. For me, I thought it was correct not to show a red card to Gabriel.”
Erling Haaland Addresses Gabriel Incident
Erling Haaland
After scoring the winning goal at the Etihad Stadium, Haaland was asked about his second-half clash with Gabriel.
The Norwegian suggested the punishment might have been harsher had he reacted more strongly. Haaland told Sky Sports:
“I think if I fell on the floor, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, it will maybe be a red card.
“I'm not sure. But it is what it is, I will not fall on the floor. Yellow card for me, I'm not sure why, he comes up to my face. But it is what it is.”
Sunday’s win saw Haaland end his goalscoring drought in the Premier League, after going goalless in his previous three appearances.
The 25-year-old scored his 34th goal of the season and remains the league’s top scorer with 23 goals, his third-best tally since joining City in 2022 from Borussia Dortmund.