The Gunners’ appeal against a violent conduct charge has been upheld, but the defender still faces a ban for “improper conduct” in the defeat to Chelsea

The Football Association has confirmed that Arsenal have succesfully appealed against Gabriel’s ban for violent conduct on the grounds of wrongful dismissal, following his red card against Chelsea.

The Gunners defender had been dismissed for violent conduct after kicking out at Blues striker Diego Costa at the end of a continued dispute between the two players. 

Costa has subsequently been charged with violent conduct by the FA and could face retrospective punishment following a further collision with Laurent Koscielny.

But a statement released by the FA on Tuesday rescinded Gabriel’s ban for violent conduct, though the Brazilian still faces a charge of improper conduct, for which he has until 6pm on Thursday to reply. 

“Arsenal’s claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Gabriel has been upheld following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing,” the FA statement read. 
“The player’s three-match suspension has, therefore, been withdrawn with immediate effect.

“The player is currently subject to a separate FA charge of improper conduct in relation to Saturday’s game,”