Arsenal consider appeal over Gabriel’s three-match ban after red card against Chelsea

Diego Costa clashes with Gabriel

ARSENAL are pondering making an appeal over the length of defender Gabriel's suspension after his red card against Chelsea.

 

The Brazilian reacted to Diego Costa's provocation by aiming a back heel flick out at the Spaniard in front of referee Mike Dean.

According to the Evening Standard, the Gunners will appeal for a reduction in the number of matches the Brazilian will miss rather than the actual red card.

The report says Arsenal believe a precedent was set when Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic appealed his sending off for violent conduct after reacting angrily to a bad tackle from Burnley's Ashley Barnes.

 

Matic saw his suspension cut from three to two games.

Cesc Fabregas also had a three-match ban reduced last season. On that occasion the FA cut it to one game after he kicked a ball which hit West Brom's Chris Brunt in the face.

After Saturday's match, Arsene Wenger criticised his player for reacting.

 

He said: "Of course. We warn them not to get involved - and I don't understand Gabriel because he usually looks a calm boy.

"For me, it shouldn't be difficult to stay calm. It's not. I don't believe so.

"You have to be above that. That's part of the game. To be professional, to me, is to deal with that."