Why was Gabriel not sent off for Erling Haaland ‘headbutt’?

Gabriel avoided a red card for pushing his head into Erling Haaland’s face (PA)

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland admitted he could have made more out of Gabriel Magalhaes pushing his head towards him, which means the Arsenal centre-back will be available for the Premier League run-in after he avoided a red card in the title showdown.

Haaland and Gabriel were involved in a long-running battle at the Etihad but tensions spilled over in the 83rd minute. It was sparked when Haaland gave Gabriel a push from the side after he had been fouled from behind by the Arsenal defender.

Gabriel reacted by putting his head towards Haaland’s and they stood for a moment with their foreheads touching. But Gabriel then made a another movement and pushed his head towards Haaland’s for a second time.

Haaland did not respond, as team-mates from both sides then broke them up. Anthony Taylor then showed both Haaland and Gabriel a yellow card for their involvement in the altercation, while the incident was checked by VAR.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Haaland said: "If I fell on the floor there, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, then it would 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."

What did the VAR say?

Referee John Brooks was the VAR. He decided that Gabriel’s contact towards Haaland’s head was not “deemed not to be excessively aggressive or violent”. He agreed with Taylor’s on-field assessment. Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, received his seventh booking of the season protesting the lack of punishment. Guardiola could be seen acting out a ‘headbutt’ on the touchline.