Arsenal's Gabriel should have seen red for Erling Haaland headbutt, Premier League panel rules

Referee Anthony Taylor should have sent Gabriel off for the incident, a Premier League panel has now ruled -Credit:Michael Regan/Getty Images

The remaining two panelists, however, argued "there is little force or initial backwards movement from Gabriel." And while it was conceded that a red card should have been issued, the panel ultimately voted 4:1 against a VAR intervention, as per The Mirror.

Had Gabriel been dismissed, he would have automatically received a three-game ban for violent conduct, ruling him out of the victory against Newcastle United, along with upcoming matches against Fulham and West Ham.

Haaland shared his thoughts on the incident immediately after the final whistle, suggesting that a more theatrical reaction could have seen Gabriel shown a red card. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I think it's always like this. A lot of fighting and these kind of things.

"That's others to decide if I won that battle. Of course, I scored the goal. I won that battle in the decisive moment, the cross was perfect. It was a great goal. In the end, we win."

He added: "If I fell on the floor there, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, then it would maybe be red card. I'm not sure, I haven't seen the situation. It is what it is, I will not fall on the floor. For me I don't know why he comes up to my face."

Meanwhile, former Manchester United star Gary Neville was left stunned that Gabriel was allowed to remain on the field. Speaking on commentary, he said: "Now why did you do that, Gabriel?

"You can put your heads against each other, I got done in a game a long time ago, the moment you throw it forward you get a red. I can't believe that's not a red to be honest."