Gabriel not sent off for kick vs Chelsea

Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday, September 6, 2026, but a controversial incident involving defender Gabriel Magalhaes has drawn significant attention. Gabriel was deemed "extremely lucky" by several commentators not to have been sent off early in the match after kicking Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the head. The incident occurred in the sixth minute of the game, shortly after Chelsea had taken a 1-0 lead through Morgan Rogers. During a scramble in the penalty area, Gabriel's boot connected with Martinez's face while the goalkeeper was holding the ball. Replays analyzed by pundits showed Gabriel swinging his leg high over the ball, striking Martinez. Despite the incident, referee Chris Kavanagh did not issue a card, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not recommend a review of the play. Former Manchester United players Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young, speaking on Match of the Day, expressed strong opinions that Gabriel should have been dismissed.