Should Gabriel have been sent off for Haaland clash?

Should Gabriel have been sent off for Haaland clash?To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedMedia caption, How Haaland and Gabriel went head-to-head in an 'old school battle'ByDale JohnsonFootball issues correspondentPublished4 minutes ago4 CommentsThe running battle between Erling Haaland and Gabriel was a theme of the title showdown between Manchester City and Arsenal.The Norway forward had already had his undershirt partially ripped in one physical tussle during City's 2-1 win on Sunday. It was the kind of scrap fans love to see in big games, and referee Anthony Taylor had allowed both players some latitude.However, things boiled over in the 83rd minute after Haaland and Gabriel competed in an aerial duel. Following a push by the City striker, the two men squared up to each other, with foreheads pressed together.What happened next could easily have resulted in a red card for the Brazil centre-half, who pushed his head towards Haaland's face.The Arsenal defender escaped with a yellow card. But should this not be seen as violent conduct?Why did the VAR not get involved?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Gabriel would have been suspended for three matches if he had been sent off for violent conductWhat exactly is a headbutt?The laws of the game do not specifically reference it, so it is wrapped up in the description of violent conduct.That requires a player to have used or attempted to use "excessive force or brutality".It opens up a level of subjectivity where pushing your head towards another player might not be seen as violent.For the video assistant referee (VAR), what the refereeing team say they saw is crucial.On Sunday, it was the assistant referee who said the incident was "not excessively aggressive or violent". Referee Taylor took this advice on board and chose to book both players for their aggressive attitudes. VAR John Brooks first has to consider that the...