Arsenal were lucky to have all 11 players still on the pitch after a mass brawl broke out with Gabriel seemingly headbutting Erling Haaland
18:15, 19 Apr 2026Updated 18:27, 19 Apr 2026
Gabriel was lucky to avoid a red card after he seemingly headbutted Erling Haaland.
The Arsenal defender had been locked in a battle with Haaland all game, with their grappling often crossing the line. The City striker had his shirt ripped by Gabriel in the second half, but then got the last laugh by using his strength to fire City back ahead.
However, Gabriel then took it too far as he jumped on the back of Haaland, finally causing him to react. Haaland leapt back up and shoved the defender, who responded by sticking his head into. Haaland’s.
Gabriel then moves his head towards Haaland, in a clear headbutting motion. That action sparked a response from City players, who charged in and a brawl broke out.
Anthony Taylor struggled to regain control, eventually flashing a yellow card at both Haaland and, staggeringly, Gabriel. Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville said: “Why did you do that Gabriel?!
“You can put your heads against each other. The minute you rock it back and throw it forward you usually get a red… I can’t believe that’s not a red.”
Mike Dean was in agreement after a second look: “They have both gone head-to-head. There’s not excessive force by Gabriel but he has pushed his head towards Haaland a little bit more.
“I think the way the game has gone with those two I think a yellow card is just about right. But I wouldn’t have been surprised if Gabriel had been sent off.
“Looking at it again. I think he’s very lucky.”
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