Gabriel kick on Martinez not a red card offence - panel
- Published
Arsenal defender Gabriel did not commit a red card offence when he kicked Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the head earlier this month, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has said.
Several players were on the floor near the goalline when the Brazil defender attempted to kick a loose ball, but made contact with Martinez's face.
Referee Chris Kavanagh could not see the incident, while video assistant referee Darren England did not initiate a review.
Both decisions in the fifth minute of Arsenal's 2-1 win have been unanimously supported by the KMI Panel.
The panel said: "Multiple players were on the ground competing and challenging for the loose ball, and the action of Gabriel was not deemed to be an act of violent conduct or serious foul play."
