Arsenal Wins Appeal Over Gabriel Red Card
A controversial call during last Saturday's match against Chelsea had Gooners calling for blood. A tough loss coupled with the controversial sending off of Brasilian fullback Gabriel Paulista had both players and supporters crying foul with Arsene Wenger lambasting both Diego Costa and the referees.
In an important fixture where tensions were running high, Gabriel's emotions got the best of him when he got in the middle of an altercation between Costa and fellow teammate Laurent Koscielny. Both players were given yellow cards for their trouble and soon after Gabriel was given a controversial straight red card for allegedly flicking a boot at the Spanish striker.
Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla was also sent off soon afterwards, leaving a depleted 9-man Arsenal squad to finish out the 2-0 loss. The team quickly filed a wrongful-dismissal claim disputing the punishment of Gabriel and found themselves vindicated Tuesday when the FA found ruled in Arsenal's favour.
ESPN's FC coverage reports that Arsenal has won its appeal against the red card and subsequent suspension that Gabriel received after being goaded into a bad decision by Chelsea striker and noted garbage-person Diego Costa. Gabriel has been a crucial component of the Arsenal defense and the team will surely appreciate not having to do without the Brazilian centre-back as they fight to cement their position in the top 4.
A statement by the FA posted on Arsenal's official website confirms that the initial 3-game suspension has been overturned. However, the statement also notes that the player is still subject to a completely separate FA charge of improper conduct during the match. Costa was also charged with violent conduct and could face a suspension of his own.
Arsenal is set to take on fourth place Leicester City on Saturday with an opportunity to leapfrog a few teams at the top of the table. Saturday is set to be an uphill for Arsene Wenger and the Gunners as they take on an undefeated Leicester City squad managed by Claudio Ranieri who are simply playing out of their skulls. Betfair's betting section rates Arsenal's chances of leaving with 3 points at 1.85 while Leicester has been given 4.50 to walk away with the win. Both teams are expected to score, though Leicester certainly has more incentive to strive for a clean sheet. The Foxes' manager promised his players a pizza party for the first match in which they are able to hold their opponents scoreless. Leicester continue to look good six games into the season leading to suspicions that the team's success may be more than a fluke.
Ranieri praised the quality of the current Arsenal squad and said that he feels the Gunners still have a good shot at the league title this year and doesn't underestimate his competition. "To beat Arsenal we must do the perfect match, no mistakes. Arsenal are great to watch, they are smart, fast and technical," said Ranieri to The Guardian's football staff. "They are ready to fight for the title again in my opinion. Maybe not the Champions League just yet, but in the league they are growing stronger. I think they have a chance."
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