Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday was defined by one refereeing decision.
Both Arsenal and Brighton failed to maintain their 100% start to the new Premier League season, as they dropped points in North London.
However, Mikel Arteta will feel that the Gunners were particularly hard done by. His side were the more impressive of the two teams, and led via a Kai Havertz goal, at half-time.
Early in the second half, though, with 49 minutes on the clock, Declan Rice was shown a second yellow card and subsequently a red.
Why was Declan Rice sent off in Arsenal vs Brighton?
His sending off changed the game, giving the Seagulls a route back into it, and they were able to produce an equaliser less than ten minutes after Rice’s exit.
Arsenal fans criticised the decision to dismiss Rice, and referee Chris Kavanagh certainly sparked controversy with that call. Arsenal legend Paul Merson was also shocked by the decision.
As Rice and Joel Veltman tussled for the ball deep in the Brighton half, the referee awarded a free kick for the visitors. Rice then nudged the rolling ball with his foot, as Veltman looked to hoof it up the pitch. The Brighton man swung his leg, and rather than connecting with the ball, kicked Rice.
There was then a swarm of bodies around the incident, and a huge decision made by Kavanagh to send Rice for an early shower. As it was a second yellow card, rather than a straight red, VAR was unable to intervene.
Gary Lineker and Danny Murphy debate Rice decision
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker and pundit Danny Murphy were split over this incident.
As Murphy explained: “It was a huge turning point in the game because Arsenal were quite comfortable at that point. This was a yellow [first offence], I think we can all agree.”
Indeed, few could argue that Rice was undeserving of his first booking of the match after a late tackle in the first half.
On the subject of Rice’s entanglement with Veltman, Murphy continued: “Here, when it starts, it’s kind of all a bit ‘what’s going on? Who’s done what?’ Initially, I thought, that he’s [Veltman] just lashed out and kicked Declan Rice. When you see it, he’s making out that he kicked him because he’s trying to clear the ball. I don’t quite believe that.”
Lineker then interjected: “Nor do I. The ball is rolling as well, so you can’t take a free kick while the ball is rolling.”
Murphy added: “By the letter of the law, it’s a second booking, he’s kicked it out of play and given the referee no choice, and the referee has made a decision.”
Lineker felt differently, saying: “I think this is another classic example of where football has lost its mind. For people getting a red card for that, for kicking the ball about 12 inches.”
Finally, Murphy insisted: “I think Declan deserved a second yellow… Veltman is very lucky though, he could’ve been sent off. That wasn’t trying to take a free kick.”
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