'On first view, crikey…' – Ex-refs chief re-analyses 'dangerous' Arsenal vs Chelsea controversy
Chris Kavanagh and VAR were right not to punish Gabriel Magalhaes, but the Arsenal star could have seen red against Chelsea.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Brazilian did not fulfil the criteria for “violent conduct”.
In the sixth minute, Emi Martinez was left holding his face on the goalline after thwarting the Gunners, being hit by Gabriel’s boot on the floor.
No action was taken by referee or VAR, with Mikel Arteta’s side equalising 19 minutes later, cancelling out Morgan Rogers’ opener in the process.
Gabriel continued to play a key role in the game, with the Gunners taking the lead through Martin Odegaard just moments into the second half.
Away fans continue to argue that Arsenal should have gone down to 10 men very early on in the game on Sunday, 6 September, but those claims only fall on deaf ears.
Gabriel Magalhaes deserved sanction, but not a red
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett doubled down on his first review of the incident, having agreed with the decision not to show a red card.
“On first view, I thought, ‘Crikey, some action is going to be taken here’. But then you ask, was that an act of violence? Was it a reaction?” he said.
“Was it sufficient to send a player off? Of course the media, through social media in particular, has a very one-eyed view of a particular incident.
“I don’t think the referee had the best view in the house. We had from a replay point of view. Yes, it was dangerous.
“And I think at most, it would have resulted in a yellow card for being reckless. For me, it didn’t fulfil violent conduct.
“I think it was a natural reaction. I don’t think it was any act of violence or any act of retribution. It was late, so it’s reckless.
“Everybody forms an opinion, and on this one is completely divided. There’s no question these incidents take place.”
What did Chris Kavanagh miss at the Emirates?
Arsenal supporters were far happier of the two, having secured all three points despite going a goal behind inside 77 seconds.
However, decisions certainly went against both sides, and many will argue that Odegaard’s winner should have been disallowed due to a foul in the build-up.
Only teammates at Aston Villa last season, Rogers was thrown to the ground by Ezri Konsa, but the incident was completely ignored.
Rogers was involved once again in the 83rd minute, squaring up to Declan Rice after the attacker was tripped blatantly on his way towards the penalty area.
