By Toby Prince
Arsenal have won their appeal against Gabriel Paulista’s sending off during the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea.
The Brazilian defender was controversially red-carded after clashing with Diego Costa in the first-half of Saturday’s Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge and was facing a three-match suspension.
But the Gunners argued it was a case of wrongful dismissal and a Football Association panel has upheld their claim.
Gabriel could still be facing a ban, however, having been hit with a separate improper conduct charge over his behaviour following his sending-off.
An FA statement reads: “Arsenal’s claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Gabriel has been upheld following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing.
“The player’s three-match suspension has, therefore, been withdrawn with immediate effect.
“Gabriel was dismissed for violent conduct during the game against Chelsea on Saturday (19 September 2015).
“The player is currently subject to a separate FA charge of improper conduct in relation to Saturday’s game and has until 6pm on Thursday (24 September 2015) to reply.”
The decision will go some way to appeasing Arsene Wenger, who was furious at referee Mike Dean’s performance in the defeat to Chelsea.
Dean showed Gunners duo Gabriel and Santi Cazorla their marching orders, but failed to send off Diego Costa despite the Chelsea striker appearing to twice lash out at Laurent Koscielny.
Costa is likely to be hit with three-match ban, however, having been retrospectively sanctioned for violent conduct
