Former Arsenal striker Freddie Ljungberg has branded Gabriel's goal celebration against Sporting as 'disrespectful' after the defender appeared to mock Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres.
The centre-back rose highest to head in Arsenal's third goal in a resounding 5-1 victory over the Portuguese side in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
The match was a rare occasion where Gyokeres failed to find the net, but viewers still got to see a variation of his trademark celebration as the Brazilian scored his third goal of the campaign.
Ljungberg, a compatriot of the Sporting striker, denounced Gabriel's gesture and labeled his actions as 'disrespectful'.
“I'm not a fan of it,” he told Viaplay. 'Of course he must have talked a lot about playing against Gyokeres and whether he could do it.
“Then his point of showing he can handle it is quite simple. But I think it's a bit disrespectful.'
Gabriel was quickly swarmed by his teammates after his goal, but social media users were quick to pick up on the centre-back's gesture.
The Brazilian had previously come out on top in a number of matches against Swedish star Gyokeres and even saw the crowd laughing afterwards.
Gyokeres – who has been linked with a host of top European clubs including Arsenal and Manchester United following his blistering form for the Portuguese champions – brushed off the incident after the match, saying: 'He is welcome to steal it if he cannot create it. his own party!'
Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli after a neat ball across the penalty area from Jurrien Timber before Kai Havertz doubled the lead shortly afterwards.
Gabriel then got their third after rising highest from a corner and defiantly firing his header into the back of the net.
After half-time, Sporting got back into the match through a Goncalo Inacio header before Bukayo Saka scored from the penalty spot.
Leandro Trossard completed the emphatic victory that took the Gunners into the top eight of the Champions League.
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