The Premier League review panel has submitted a report on the controversial red card awarded to Arsenal star Declan Rice against Brighton
Declan Rice controversial red card during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton has been upheld as the correct decision by a Premier League review panel, despite widespread fan anger over the incident.
Just before the international break, Rice was sent off in an unusual incident after kicking the ball away after a duel with Brighton defender Joel Veltman. Rice was given a second yellow card.
The decision has angered Arsenal supporters, who wonder why a booking for such a minor infraction was given, especially considering that Veltman appeared to kick out at Rice shortly after and got away with it. Declan Rice will therefore be unable to participate in Arsenal’s vital North London derby against Tottenham this coming weekend.
Just after halftime, with Arsenal leading 1-0 thanks to a goal from Kai Havertz, there was a red card. But the dismissal of Rice changed the game, and ten minutes later Joao Pedro scored an equalizer for Brighton.
The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel, which reviews major refereeing decisions, has decided in favor of referee Chris Kavanagh despite the outcry. The panel, which was made up of three former managers or players, a Premier League official, and a refereeing representative, came to the conclusion that Rice should have received a second yellow card for his actions.
Just after halftime, with Arsenal leading 1-0 thanks to a goal from Kai Havertz, there was a red card. But the dismissal of Rice changed the game, and ten minutes later Joao Pedro scored an equalizer for Brighton.
The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel, which reviews major refereeing decisions, has decided in favor of referee Chris Kavanagh despite the outcry. The panel, which was made up of three former managers or players, a Premier League official, and a refereeing representative, came to the conclusion that Rice should have received a second yellow card for his actions.
“I was astounded. How inconsistent decisions can be astounds me, Arteta exclaimed. “There were two incidents in the first half, but nothing happened. Then, without noticing the player approaching, Declan touches the ball in a non-critical area. The referee was legally entitled to make that call, but he was also legally required to make Veltman’s red card the next time. What astounded me was this. It is amazing at this point.
With Rice out, Arsenal faces even greater obstacles ahead of the North London derby. Captain Martin Odegaard is also sidelined due to an ankle injury he sustained while playing for Norway internationally. For the crucial game against Tottenham, Arsenal may be without eight players altogether.
