Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton on Saturday has generated huge controversy and debate.
Many pundits have had their say on the incident that saw Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice sent off, having been shown a second yellow card by referee Chris Kavanagh.
The Gunners can have few complaints about the first booking that the former West Ham United man received. However, not long after the break, as Brighton were awarded a free kick deep in their own half, Rice was penalised for gently tapping the ball with his foot before the Seagulls had chance to take the set-piece.
It is vital to note that the ball was still moving when Rice touched it, so the free kick could not yet be taken in any case. However, Kavanagh still saw fit to dismiss the England international.
Gary Lineker was unimpressed by the decision, and he was not alone. A former Premier League referee criticised Kavanagh for his handling of the situation.
Meanwhile, having been reduced to ten men, Mikel Arteta’s side could not hang on to their lead and dropped points for the first time this season. The Gunners will also now be without Rice when they take on fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby next time out.
Micah Richards shocked by Declan Rice decision
Speaking on Stick to Football, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards gave his verdict on Kavanagh’s call.
He said: “There’s no way in history that should be a second yellow card. I just can’t get on board with that. If that’s a yellow card then football has officially gone… If you have an ounce of common sense, then you would not give a yellow card for that.”
Arteta was able to keep his cool when discussing the incident after the match, but he will surely be incensed that his side were so harshly punished for what was such a minor infraction.
Arsenal must take Rice red card as a warning
However, there is a lesson for the Gunners to learn from this incident.
If this is the bar being set by officials, and such actions as Rice’s are going to be dealt with so severely, then the Arsenal players need to adapt. Now is the time to curb any habits that could result in similar sanctions being meted out against them in future.
Equally, Arteta will be looking to see the same rules applied in other games and against other teams across the Premier League.
The PGMOL must ensure that such consistency exists, or their ability to oversee and maintain the standard of officiating in the top flight of English football will quickly come under even greater scrutiny.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
