# Rooney: Gabriel ‘Extremely Lucky’ to Escape Red Card for Challenge on Martinez

> By  · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07
> https://lesportifplus.com/en/2026/09/07/rooney-gabriel-extremely-lucky-to-escape-red-card-for-challenge-on-martinez/

## Summary
Wayne Rooney said Arsenal's Gabriel was 'extremely lucky' to avoid a red card after a challenge on Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, arguing on Match of the Day that the tackle warranted a sending-off. No formal disciplinary action followed, and Gabriel remains available for Arsenal's next matches.

## Key points
- Wayne Rooney criticised officials for not sending off Gabriel during Match of the Day analysis
- The incident involved a challenge on Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez
- Gabriel avoided a red card and faces no reported further disciplinary action

Wayne Rooney has said Arsenal defender Gabriel was ‘extremely lucky’ to remain on the pitch following a heavy challenge on Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The Match of the Day pundit gave his verdict during analysis of the incident, arguing that referees would typically have shown a red card for such contact.

## What did Rooney say about the incident?

Rooney focused on the nature and force of Gabriel’s challenge on Martinez, suggesting it carried enough danger to warrant a sending-off under normal circumstances. He praised the goalkeeper’s reaction while questioning why the officials on the day did not take stronger action against the Arsenal centre-back.

> Gabriel was extremely lucky to stay on the pitch there, the pundit said.

## Why does the decision matter for Arsenal?

Had Gabriel been dismissed, Arsenal would have been forced to play a significant portion of the match with ten men, potentially altering the course of the game against a direct rival. Decisions of this kind carry extra weight given how tightly contested matches at the top level can be, with a single red card often swinging momentum and results.

Pundits and fans alike frequently scrutinise contentious refereeing calls involving high-profile players, and incidents like this one tend to fuel wider debate about consistency in officiating standards across matches involving top-flight clubs.

## What happens next?

No further disciplinary action has been reported following the match, meaning Gabriel is expected to remain available for Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures unless retrospective review changes that outcome. The incident is likely to continue being referenced in broadcast analysis as an example cited by pundits when discussing refereeing leniency toward challenges near goalkeepers.

## Source

- [BBC Sport Football](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/cgk531g8gr2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — BBC Sport Football

## Sources
- [BBC Sport Football](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/cgk531g8gr2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)