Arsenal held as Gervinho sees red on debut

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[وحدهم المديرون لديهم صلاحيات معاينة هذه الصورة] Steven Taylor (R) challenges Arsenal's Gervinho

Arsenal made a controversial start to their Premier League campaign on Saturday as striker Gervinho was sent off on his debut in a scrappy 0-0 draw at Newcastle United.

The Ivory Coast striker had appeared to go down easily towards the end of the game, prompting Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton to grab his shirt and pull him up.

Gervinho then slapped Barton, who fell over theatrically and was lucky his involvement in the scuffle did not earn him more than a yellow card at St James' Park.

Barton was a surprise inclusion in the Newcastle team after being transfer-listed earlier this week.

Arsenal dominated possession with their trademark passing game but without captain Cesc Fabregas and fellow midfielder Samir Nasri, who look poised for moves to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, lacked a decent final ball.

In other matches, Liverpool rued a missed penalty and a disallowed goal as they drew 1-1 at home to Sunderland and newcomers Queens Park Rangers got a rude awakening when they were thumped 4-0 at home to Bolton Wanderers.