Divine Intervention as Angel Gabriel wins appeal against Red Card

Arsenal’s appeal against defender Gabriel’s red card during Saturday’s defeat by Chelsea has been successful.

Gabriel, 24, was sent off by referee Mike Dean for violent conduct after a clash with Diego Costa during the Blues’ 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.

The successful appeal means he will now not serve a three-match suspension.

The Brazilian is subject to a separate Football Association charge of improper conduct to which he has until 18:00 BST on Thursday to respond.

Gabriel did not leave the pitch immediately after receiving his red card, and faces possible sanction from the FA.

Editor’s Note: Got to say I’m a little surprised as a show of petulance like that is usually always a Red, maybe this is to appease Arsenal due to Mike Dean and his linesman getting it so wrong with missing Diego Costa’s slap on Laurent Koscielny. Will Gabriel get lucky on the other charge, maybe not – but this twist in the tale means the talking point is certainly going to carry on for at least another couple of days