Arsenal Vs Chelsea: Wayne Rooney Says Gabriel Was “Extremely Lucky” To Escape Red Card

Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney has described Arsenal defender Gabriel as “extremely lucky” to have remained on the pitch during the Gunners’ 2-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

According to Ireporter Online, the controversial incident occurred during the first half when Chelsea goalkeeper Emi Martinez was on the ground with the ball in his possession.

Gabriel attempted to play the ball with his left foot but missed his target, instead making contact with Martinez’s head with his boot.

Referee Chris Kavanagh opted not to award a foul, while VAR did not intervene despite Martinez receiving treatment following the incident.

Rooney, speaking during Match of the Day, said the Arsenal defender should have been shown a red card after reviewing the incident.

“You don’t really see it at first sight, but then when you see a replay and they slow it down,” Rooney said.

“Martinez has got the ball in his hands, and Gabriel boots him in the head; he swings a leg and goes way over the top. He’s extremely lucky to stay on the pitch.”

Former Manchester United teammate Ashley Young also agreed with Rooney’s assessment and questioned why VAR officials did not review the incident.

Young argued that Martinez was already in possession of the ball when Gabriel raised his leg and suggested that the challenge warranted closer examination.

However, former Premier League referee Mark Halsey offered a contrasting opinion, arguing that the incident did not constitute violent conduct.

Halsey noted that several players were on the ground during the scramble and that Gabriel appeared to be attempting to reach the loose ball before making contact with Martinez.

He acknowledged that Gabriel missed the ball and caught the goalkeeper in the head but said there was doubt over whether the action was deliberate.

According to Halsey, Gabriel had the right to challenge for the ball, while the presence of several players on the ground contributed to the accidental contact.

The incident occurred during a dramatic London derby in which Chelsea took an early lead through summer signing Morgan Rogers.

Arsenal fought back through former Chelsea forward Kai Havertz before Martin Ødegaard completed the comeback shortly after half-time.

Chelsea were unable to find an equaliser as Arsenal held on to secure all three points.