Gabriel Jesus ‘likely to be suspended’ after Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid scenes – Ex-refs chief
Gabriel Jesus could face serious punishment if Atletico Madrid choose to report the Arsenal attacker following scenes at the Emirates Stadium.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Brazilian could be fined and suspended for his actions on Tuesday, 5 May.
The Gunners claimed a narrow 1-0 win over the Spanish giants in the Champions League semi-final second leg, thanks to a first-half goal from Bukayo Saka in front of a jubilant crowd.
While his teammates celebrated booking their spot in the final at the Puskas Arena, Jesus lashed out at defender Marc Pubill, with footage of him slapping the defender after Arsenal’s win over Atletico.
⚽ Arsenal Matchday ⚽
Team news, line-ups, expert verdicts and previews, and tactical analysis for every Gunners fixture.
VISIT THE ARSENAL MATCH HUBAtletico Madrid could seek punishment against Gabriel Jesus
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Any post-match action by the UEFA Disciplinary Panel will centre around the post-match report by the UEFA Match Delegate.
“They are effectively the eyes and ears of the organisation. There is also the possibility that the club will, when reviewing the incident, also report it to UEFA.
“If action is taken, a fine and a suspension will be the likely outcome.”
| Gabriel Jesus’ suspension record | Club | Games missed |
| Yellow card suspension | Man City | 1 |
| Red card suspension | Man City | 2 |
| Yellow card suspension | Palmeiras | 1 |
| Yellow card suspension | Palmeiras | 1 |
| Yellow card suspension | Palmeiras | 1 |
| Red card suspension | Palmeiras | 1 |
Jesus has done reasonably well to keep his temper under control during his time in England, but the centre-forward may have taken it a step too far when confronting Atletico’s No.18 at full-time.
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid fail to keep emotions in check
Despite a rather well-behaved set of players on the pitch, with only two yellow cards being shown in the final 15 minutes, actions on the sidelines appeared to sour the night a little bit.
Both Diego Simeone and Mikel Arteta were cautioned for their role in off-pitch confrontations, with Hackett hitting out at the assistant referee for failing to control the managers and substitutes.
The final moments of the tie were disrupted by staff members fighting on the sidelines, so it wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see UEFA get involved retrospectively.
It is not the example that UEFA want to be setting for the rest of the footballing world, so Arsenal and Atletico are likely to be punished for their actions.
💰 ARSENAL INSIDER UPDATE 💰
Inside the transfer budget, player wages, new kits, off-pitch deals and boardroom developments at Emirates Stadium.
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the Emirates Stadium.