Pat Nevin has criticised Arsenal central defender Gabriel on BBC Radio 5 Live for his action towards Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.
Arsenal got the better of Leeds 1-0 away from home in the Premier League this afternoon.
England international star Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the match in the first half.
Late in the game, there was a very controversial moment.
In stoppage time, referee Chris Kavanagh sent off Arsenal’s £27 million (The Guardian) defender Gabriel for kicking out at Leeds and England international striker Bamford.
Leeds were also awarded a penalty.
However, after Kavanagh reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor, he overturned both the decisions.
Gabriel’s red card was reduced to a yellow, and former Chelsea winger and BBC Sport pundit Nevin was not impressed.
Pat Nevin on Gabriel v Patrick Bamford in Leeds v Arsenal
Nevin said: “I agree with every single part of the referee’s decision except changing the red card to a yellow card.”
The pundit added: “Apparently that is not violent conduct. If the ball is nowhere near you and you stick both feet into an opponent, that is violent conduct!”
It was a very controversial decision from the referee to change the red card he had given to Gabriel to a yellow card.
However, you could understand why he did that.
Gabriel should learn his lesson from the incident.
The Brazilian centre-back needs to stop from kicking out at opposition players.
On another day, it could have cost Arsenal.
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