Man City told why Gabriel avoided red card for Erling Haaland 'headbutt' in Arsenal clash

Both Gabriel and Erling Haaland were shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor for the incident

The decision not to send off Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes for an alleged 'headbutt' on Erling Haaland has been explained. The pair clashed during the second half of the match, with City emerging as 2-1 victors.

Following Haaland's crucial goal in the second half to make it 2-1, the two players came head-to-head, with Gabriel appearing to push his head towards Haaland's. Referee Anthony Taylor brandished a yellow card to both players.

The incident was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which concluded that a yellow card was the appropriate punishment. The Premier League's Match Centre official account stated: "The referee's call of no red card was checked and confirmed by VAR - with the action from Gabriel deemed not to be excessively aggressive or violent."

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However, speaking during Sky Sports commentary, Gary Neville expressed his disbelief at the decision. "Why did you do that Gabriel?! You can put your heads against each other," he said.

"The minute you rock it back and throw it forward you usually get a red.

"I can't believe that's not a red to be honest with you. I don't think he's differentiated between what Gabriel and Haaland did."

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean added: "I think they have both gone head-to-head, there's not excessive force by Gabriel but he has just put head his head toward a little bit more.

"I think the way the game has gone with those two, I think a yellow card is probably just about right.

"I wouldn't have been surprised had Gabriel been sent off, there is a movement.

"Looking at it again, Gabriel is very lucky not to get a red. He's very lucky."

Speaking on the incident on Sky Sports, Haaland said: “If I fell on the floor, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, I think maybe it would be a red card, I'm not sure.

“I will not fall on the floor as easy like this. Yellow card, for me I don't know why. He comes up to my face!”

City broke the deadlock in the 16th minute through a stunning Rayan Cherki goal. However, Arsenal needed just two minutes to equalise when Kai Havertz closed down a Gianluigi Donnarumma kick, deflecting the ball into the net.

The Gunners had opportunities to take the lead at 1-1, with Eberechi Eze striking the post. Yet it was Haaland who proved decisive, netting the winning goal in the 65th minute.

City managed to hold on for the victory, with the final whistle sparking jubilant scenes both on the pitch and in the stands. The three points close the gap to just three points behind Arsenal, with City also boasting a game in hand.

Pep Guardiola's side face second-bottom Burnley on Wednesday, knowing that victory would draw them level with their title rivals ahead of the final five fixtures of the season.