A Premier League panel has unanimously backed the decision not to send off Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes for his challenge on Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
The controversial incident occurred during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on September 6.
Gabriel caught Martinez in the head with his boot as several players competed for a loose ball inside the penalty area.
Referee Chris Kavanagh took no action, while VAR Darren England decided against recommending an on-field review.
That decision has now received the full backing of the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel.
Premier League panel makes Gabriel decision
The five-person KMI panel voted 5-0 in support of Kavanagh’s decision not to show Gabriel a red card.
It also unanimously agreed that VAR was correct not to intervene.
As reported by ESPN, the panel concluded Gabriel’s action did not constitute serious foul play or violent conduct because several players were competing for the loose ball.
The ruling provides a definitive assessment of one of the major talking points from Chelsea’s defeat at the Emirates.
Morgan Rogers had given Xabi Alonso’s side an early lead before Arsenal turned the game around, leaving the Chelsea head coach to later admit his side had defensive problems that needed addressing after the Arsenal defeat.
Rooney disagreed with Gabriel verdict
The KMI panel’s conclusion contrasts with the reaction from several former Premier League players following the match.
Wayne Rooney argued Gabriel was “extremely lucky to stay on the pitch” after seeing replays of the incident.
Former England defender Ashley Young also questioned why VAR did not intervene, arguing Gabriel’s foot was too high as Martinez attempted to secure possession.
Those comments were reported by The Mirror, which detailed the reaction to the challenge following the final whistle.
Chelsea players protested immediately after the collision, while Martinez required treatment.
However, the Premier League’s independent review has now backed the officials on both counts.
The incident also adds context to Chelsea’s wider defensive concerns, with John Terry recently outlining what he believes must change in Alonso’s back line following another difficult defensive display.
Chelsea must now move on quickly from the controversy as Alonso attempts to restore consistency in the Premier League.
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