7M - Premier League explains Gabriel yellow card in City win

The Premier League has clarified why Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes received only a yellow card for an incident involving Erling Haaland during Manchester City's 2-1 victory on April 19, 2026. Referee Anthony Taylor issued the caution, and VAR official John Brooks upheld the decision after review.

In an official statement posted on X, the Premier League Match Centre explained: "The referee's call of no red card was checked and confirmed by VAR - with the action from Gabriel deemed not to be excessively aggressive or violent." The Brazilian defender appeared to make head contact with the Norwegian striker during a second-half confrontation at the Etihad Stadium.

Reaction from pundits was swift. Former Arsenal winger Perry Groves told talkSPORT GameDay Live that Gabriel had been fortunate, noting Haaland's restraint in not retaliating. Ex-Newcastle boss Alan Pardew, who received a stadium ban and a 150000-pound fine for a similar offence in 2014, expressed disbelief at the lenient ruling.

Haaland, who also received a yellow card, offered a measured post-match response to Sky Sports. "I think if I fell on the floor, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, it will maybe be a red card. I'm not sure. But it is what it is," he said.

The result tightens the title race. Arsenal remain top with 70 points from 33 matches, while Manchester City have 67 points from 32 games and hold a crucial fixture in hand. City face Burnley on April 22, 2026, with a chance to level the standings, before Arsenal host Newcastle United on April 25.