Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes has come under fire for his controversial antics during his side’s thrilling 2-1 victory against Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Despite finding the back of the net to secure the win, the Brazilian defender’s performance was marred by a defensive error leading to Newcastle’s goal, and a subsequent altercation that could have seen him dismissed from the field.
In a moment of carelessness, Gabriel was culpable for Newcastle’s solitary goal, hitting the deck dramatically following minimal contact from Nick Woltemade, who capitalised on the defender’s misjudgement to score. Sky Sports pundit Les Ferdinand did not mince his words, describing Gabriel’s theatrics as “embarrassing.”
“I thought he’d been shoved in real-time, but seeing it again, you have to question why he went down so easily,” Ferdinand remarked. “Gabriel will surely be cringing when he reviews that footage.”
The drama didn’t end there for the Arsenal centre-back. Mere moments after the Magpies’ equaliser, Gabriel engaged in a scuffle with Woltemade, resulting in a stray elbow making contact with the Newcastle player’s face. Jamie Redknapp, also on punditry duty, speculated whether Gabriel was fortunate to remain on the pitch.
“Gabriel’s head was clearly heated after the earlier mistake, but you cannot retaliate like that,” said Redknapp. He criticised the modern kick-off routines that led to the confrontation, likening it to a “tactical melee” that he feels has no place on the pitch.
Dermot Gallagher, offering an official perspective on Ref Watch, conceded that Gabriel was perhaps fortunate that the referee, Jarred Gillett, hadn’t witnessed the incident clearly. “Were it properly seen, a yellow card seemed certain at the very least,” Gallagher noted. “Gabriel avoided harsher punishment largely due to the angle at which the contact was made.”
Adding to the discourse, former player Jay Bothroyd suggested that had Woltemade opted to exaggerate the encounter by feigning injury, VAR might have been called to action, potentially shifting the decision towards a dismissal.
“Nick Woltemade’s decision to stay upright spared Gabriel and Arsenal considerable trouble,” Bothroyd opined.
In summary, Arsenal’s victory, while celebrated, was tinged with controversy, as the shadow of Gabriel’s actions lingered over an otherwise significant win for the Gunners. As discussions about VAR and officiating persist in football, such incidents continue to highlight the fine margins between triumph and turmoil.