Arsenal want Gibbs freed to face Swans

Arsenal insist Kieran Gibbs, who was mistakenly sent off against Chelsea for a handball committed by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, should not have to serve a suspension.

Gibbs was shown a red card by referee Andre Marriner during a 6-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday even though Oxlade-Chamberlain was clearly the culprit — and even told the official he had got it wrong.

Now Arsenal are expected to claim a case of mistaken identity so that Gibbs can face Swansea at the Emirates tomorrow.

Manager Arsene Wenger said: “We would not like to see Gibbs suspended because he has done nothing. The first injustice is that he has been sent off and then on top of that he would be suspended. Of course that would be wrong.”

If Gibbs is cleared then Oxlade-Chamberlain will automatically serve the ban instead.

Referees’ body the Professional Game Match Officials Limited apologised on behalf of Marriner, saying in a statement: “Incidents of mistaken identity are very rare and are often the result of a number of different technical factors. Whilst this was a difficult decision, Andre is disappointed he failed to identify the correct player. He expressed his disappointment to Arsenal when he was made aware of the issue.”

Former World Cup referee Clive Thomas has called for Marriner, his linesman and fourth official to be banned for the mistake, saying: “It’s the most disgusting, shocking decision I’ve seen. In my opinion these four wouldn’t officiate another Premier League game this season.”

Arsenal do have an option to appeal the red card all together — after television pictures showed Eden Hazard’s shot was heading wide of the post when the midfielder dived to keep it out with his hand, meaning he was not, after all, denying a goalscoring chance.