Should Gabriel have been sent off for Haaland clash?

The laws of the game do not specifically reference it, so it is wrapped up in the description of violent conduct. That requires a player to have used or attempted to use "excessive force or brutality". It opens up a level of subjectivity where pushing your head towards another player might not be seen as violent.

For the video assistant referee (VAR), what the refereeing team say they saw is crucial. On Sunday, it was the assistant referee who said the incident was "not excessively aggressive or violent". Referee Taylor took this advice on board and chose to book both players for their aggressive attitudes.

VAR John Brooks first has to consider that the incident has clearly been seen by the assistant. Could Brooks really say Gabriel's actions definitely were excessively aggressive or violent? That would be required for a VAR red card.

Even if the VAR thinks a red card is the better decision, it is difficult to get involved if an official has had a decent view and provided a supportable explanation. It was felt that because Gabriel pushed with his head rather than struck - he did not pull his head back first and create space before driving it forward - a yellow card was supportable. But many were likely expecting a VAR review for a red card.