ARSENAL defender Gabriel has been blasted as ‘stupid, immature and petulant’ by Rio Ferdinand following his red card in the 2-1 defeat against Manchester City. The Brazilian centre-back, 24, was sent off in the 59th minute at the Emirates following two quick bookable offences when the score was level at 1-1. Gabriel was initially shown […]
ARSENAL defender Gabriel has been blasted as ‘stupid, immature and petulant’ by Rio Ferdinand following his red card in the 2-1 defeat against Manchester City.
The Brazilian centre-back, 24, was sent off in the 59th minute at the Emirates following two quick bookable offences when the score was level at 1-1.
Gabriel was initially shown his first caution after scuffing the penalty spot and making a comment to the referee after Bernardo Silva won a controversial spot-kick having skipped past Granit Xhaka.
Gunners assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg revealed after the defeat that the ex-Lille ace was first booked for a remark he made to referee Stuart Attwell.
He said: “He made a remark to the referee. A normal comment. The players confirmed that and he gave a yellow card.”
Just two minutes after Riyad Mahrez equalised, Gabriel was given his marching orders after clattering into compatriot Gabriel Jesus on the halfway line.
And his reckless foul didn’t impress Manchester United legend Ferdinand, who slammed the player for failing to keep a cool head.
Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand remarked: “This is stupid, immature, petulant… penalty against your team, what do you think you are achieving with doing that?”
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He added: “From this point on, this is where the stupidity enhances itself. He’s [Jesus] not going in on goal, he’s not a threat, he’s in the middle of the pitch.
“Straight away after that incident you commit a silly foul like that. And then you’re in disbelief I don’t understand it.”
Former City defender Joleon Lescott then stated: “It’s crazy decision making. Emotions were high, we get that.
“But what the worrying thing is that didn’t surprise us, we’ve seen that before and we said that will continue to happen. He won’t not do that again.
“There will be games in periods of moments where he is just so emotional and gets so carried away with it, then that’s what you can’t do.”
Gabriel took to social media following the match, where he insisted that he remains willing to DIE for the North London outfit.
He tweeted: “Hard to accept it, but only God knows everything! Proud to be part of this team!!! Amazing spirit!
“We will keep working together, fighting until the end!! For this team I will run until I die!! Let’s keep improving in 2022!!!”
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