Wayne Rooney Slams Lucky Gabriel Over Escaped Red Card in Chelsea Win
- Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes escaped a red card during a fiery 2-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea on Sunday, September 6, 2026, prompting severe criticism from Manchester United...
- Match of the Day pundit Wayne Rooney stated that the Arsenal center-back was extremely fortunate to stay on the field after the high boot.
- Beyond the disciplinary controversy, the match featured a flurry of action on the pitch.
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes escaped a red card during a fiery 2-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea on Sunday, September 6, 2026, prompting severe criticism from Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney. According to reporting from Goal.com and Yahoo Sports, the controversial incident occurred just five minutes into the matchday three fixture at Emirates Stadium when Gabriel’s boot caught Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the head during a challenge.
Wayne Rooney and Pundits React to VAR Controversy
Match of the Day pundit Wayne Rooney stated that the Arsenal center-back was extremely fortunate to stay on the field after the high boot. According to Goal.com and Yahoo Sports coverage, the early challenge left analysts stunned when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system opted not to intervene or recommend a red card for violent conduct. The incident immediately sparked intense social media backlash and fierce debate among pundits. Heavy and Goal.com reported that the clash between Gabriel and the newly-arrived Chelsea goalkeeper set a chaotic tone for the London derby, overshadowing other crucial moments in the early stages of the match.
Match Action and Standings Impact
Beyond the disciplinary controversy, the match featured a flurry of action on the pitch. According to Goal.com, an early equaliser from Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori was disallowed by VAR for offside earlier in the contest. Despite the early turbulence, Arsenal secured the three points thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.