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FA’s Gabriel Paulista Ruling May Not Be As Positive For Arsenal As It Seems
By Josh Sippie
The FA had its hands full of charges following the Arsenal v Chelsea match. Gabriel Paulista already faced a suspension, as did Santi Cazorla, but they were not done there. Arsenal and Chelsea were both charged for not being able to control their players and Cazorla was, rather bizarrely, warned for his part as well.
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Diego Costa was also charged at long last and could face a much-overdo suspension.
The FA has already spoken out about Gabriel Paulista’s incident, ruling in his favor. They have upheld the appeal of his suspension and lifted it immediately.
This is wonderful news and one may even be muttering ‘justice’ in their head, but it may not be as cut and dry as that. Despite the fact that Gabriel has been deemed innocent of the suspension following Mike Dean’s questionable ruling, he is still being charged with misconduct along with Diego Costa. Most of this charge likely stems from Gabriel’s reaction following the red card, when he persisted on seeking out the cheating manbearpig known as Diego Costa.
There are a couple ways the FA could look at this. They have said that the suspension ruling was unfair. That is wonderful and a great sign. But they will also see his reaction to the red card as serious misconduct. Arsenal’s inability to calm down their Brazilian defender could cost him a new, separate three game ban for his part after the red card.
Chances are, whatever penalty the FA sees fit for Diego Costa, they will also probably see fit for Gabriel. While Gabriel’s actions were reactive to Diego Costa’s ridiculous course of action, Gabriel was guilty of not keeping a level head. Even Arsene Wenger has admitted that. He was most certainly provoked and Costa is the most guilty party, but Gabriel took the bait. However, in the grand scheme, his little heel flick was minor compared to the mauling that Arsenal’s two center backs had to undergo.
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Yet, the FA could see it as an equal and opposite reaction. They may have just swept away the initial suspension so they could slap a separate suspension on him to match Costa’s.
Whatever happens, Gabriel still deserves our full support. Arsenal’s inability to keep him contained is a little bit of a let-down and he should have kept his head. However, Gabriel was standing up for his Arsenal team mate and confronting one of the most heinous and dare I say worthless villains in the game today.
The FA’s initial ruling is positive though. Maybe they will see Gabriel’s heel flick as undeserving of a three-match suspension. However, when the FA gets the blade wet, they usually keep the heads rolling.
Next: Is The FA Getting Trigger Happy?