FA- Arsenal can appeal Gibbs card

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Gibbs was sent off in the first half at Stamford Bridge for handball, despite replays clearly showing it was team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who illegally deflected an Eden Hazard shot past the post.

Referee Andre Marriner, with the apparent aid of his assistant official, made the call show Gibbs the red card despite protests from Oxlade-Chamberlain and the Arsenal players.

The Football Association subsequently confirmed that Arsenal could appeal the sending off on the grounds of "mistaken identity".

It is a situation, however, that Pedro Pinto, the chief of press for Platini, said would not have happened under UEFA's policy to employ an extra referee on the by-line.

Pinto wrote on Twitter: "What confusion at Chelsea-Arsenal with the pen decision

That's why over 30 European countries have endorsed UEFA-backed 5 officials system.

"With an additional assistant referee on the end line, referee would not have got that sending off wrong

Technology is not the answer..."

Pinto claimed that "more eye balls" were the key to improving referee decision-making rather than technology alone.

The Barclays Premier League has employed goal-line technology for the first time this season - which would not have aided Marriner's decision at Chelsea because it determines whether a shot has crossed the line only.

Pinto added on Twitter: "More eye balls are the answer

GLT helps with goal line decisions, but five officials system gives referee more angles of vision

It's not one vs the other."

The FA confirmed that there was provision for Arsenal to appeal.

"Clubs can appeal mistaken identity to The @FA, although The @FA can pro-actively review also," an FA tweet read.

"Following a red card clubs can also review possibility of a wrongful dismissal claim to The @FA, unless dismissal is for 2 yellow cards."

There is a precedent for the decision to be changed after League One side Preston had the wrong man sent off against Port Vale in November.

Striker Joe Garner was suspended retrospectively for three games after midfielder Neil Kilkenny had mistakenly been sent off.

Source : PA

Source: PA