Gabriel at centre of disagreement as ex-Premier League ref gives surprising verdict

Gabriel at centre of disagreement as ex-Premier League ref gives surprising verdictArsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes was shown a yellow card following a clash with Manchester City striker Erling HaalandCommentsSportMark Wakefield Sport Central Audience Writer11:29, 20 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesArsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes it was a “fair outcome” that Gabriel Magalhaes was not sent off following a clash of heads with Erling Haaland. The Arsenal defender and Manchester City striker were both booked following a heated exchange in the top-flight fixture on Sunday afternoon at the Etihad Stadium.‌Gabriel appeared to push his head towards Haaland during the clash, with referee Anthony Taylor issuing yellow cards to both players.‌Pep Guardiola was shown a yellow card of his own following the decision for his protests, with VAR confirming the on-field call of a booking for Gabriel.‌Gallagher appeared on Sky Sports ’ Ref Watch on Monday, where the former referee gave his verdict on the incident.READ MORE: Mikel Arteta will 'definitely' be sacked if Arsenal don't win Premier League says ex-starREAD MORE: Arsenal stars ripped apart as six players told they didn't turn up vs Man CityHe explained why it was the right decision not to send off Gabriel, but believes the Arsenal defender was “lucky” not to be given his marching orders.“It was a very fair outcome, both of them were aggressive, throughout the whole game, it just epitomised what was at stake,” Gallagher said.‌“Gabriel is very unwise what he does, it is not the cleverest thing to do and he runs a risk, but if you look, he actually goes does the front of him and not through him, he does not headbutt him.“But he is very, very lucky that Haaland was very, very responsible because if he hits the deck, the whole landscape changes and the referee has a different situation to de...