Free to go: FA uphelds Gabriel red amidst suggestion of wrongful dismissal by Arsenal

The FA has upheld Arsenal ’s appeal of the wrongful dismissal of defender Gabriel . Gabriel was sent off against Chelsea after engaging in

Diego Costa’s antics. It culminated with Gabriel flicking his heal out at Costa, which referee Mike Dean determined was enough for a red card.

Arsenal published a statement from the FA that confirmed the red card had been rescinded.
“Arsenal’s claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Gabriel has been upheld following an independent Regulatory Commission hearing.

“The player’s three-match suspension has, therefore, been withdrawn with immediate effect.”

According to the Mirror , Arsenal’s appeal was successful because they were able to prove using video evidence that Gabriel’s back heal
flick never made contact with Costa.

Arsenal’s legal team compiled a dossier of video evidence of Costa’s antics throughout the entire match.

They were able prove that Costa was the instigator and that his behavior was consistent throughout the match.

Arsenal also used evidence of Costa’s behavior in previous matches. They showed previous
examples of Costa getting involved with opponents and instigating flair-ups.

Costa lashed out at Gabriel earlier in the match and was seen kicking out and shoving Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain towards the end of the
match. Mike Dean missed both incidents.

Jose Mourinho removed Costa quickly after his dustup with Oxlade-Chamberlain, although the manager
claimed the substitution was made for tactical reasons.