Arsenal handed new Gabriel red card verdict after Erling Haaland comments

Arsenal handed new Gabriel red card verdict after Erling Haaland commentsErling Haaland and Gabriel clashed once again in Manchester City’s 2-1 win against Arsenal and the Brazilian has been told that he was fortunate to stay on the pitch after the incidentCommentsSportDaniel Orme Sports Writer08:52, 20 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesErling Haaland and Gabriel were both booked for the incident(Image: Getty Images)Erling Haaland helped Gabriel escape a red card in their controversial clash, a former Premier League referee has claimed. The pair came head-to-head in Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.‌While both players put their heads together, Gabriel appeared to throw his forwards, which would usually constitute a red card for violent conduct. But neither the referee nor VAR deemed the incident to be worthy of a dismissal, with both players receiving a yellow card instead.‌But Gabriel has since been told that he was actually rescued by Haaland’s reaction. Speaking to The Sun, former Premier League referee Mark Halsey said: “They both got up, they both squared up to each other, both put their heads together, then Gabriel moves his head into Haaland’s.‌“Some will argue it should have been a red card for Gabriel for violent conduct, others will say ‘well, the force wasn’t there.’READ MORE: Pep Guardiola's on-pitch gesture after Man City beat Arsenal before 'I will cry' confessionREAD MORE: Gary Neville claims Arsenal 'hampered enormously' by two Mikel Arteta selection callsFOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Follow our Manchester City Mirror Football Facebook page“It’s subjective, some will say yes and some will say no. I thought, on balance, two yellow cards was correct. If you look at Haaland I think he’s done Gabriel a massive favour by staying on his feet.‌“We’ve seen in previous games where players have gone down, the red card has been shown and they’ve served a three-match ban – I think Gabriel has a lot to thank Haaland for.“I thin...