Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has spoken out after receiving a red card against Brighton.
Declan Rice was controversially sent off as Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Referee Chris Kavanagh produced a second yellow card for the former West Ham United man early in the second half of this Premier League clash.
The England international’s exit gave the Seagulls a route back into the game, and they equalised less than ten minutes after the Gunners were reduced to ten men.
Kavanagh’s decision has sparked plenty of debate. Gary Lineker and Danny Murphy disagreed over Rice’s dismissal. Meanwhile, Arsenal icon Paul Merson was shocked by the decision.
He was not alone in feeling that the Gunners were particularly hard done by.
John Terry and Arsenal players respond to Declan Rice
In the wake of the match, Rice took to Instagram to share his own thoughts on the incident.
He stated: “Disappointed. Didn’t feel it deserved a second yellow card but will learn and be better for it. Proud of the boys regardless & thank you for the amazing support Gunners.”
Former Chelsea and England centre-back John Terry then responded to this post with his own unequivocal assessment: “Worst decision EVER.”
On top of that, Arsenal duo William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko showed their support for Rice with the use of red love heart and flexing bicep emojis, respectively.
Mikel Arteta frustrations made clear after Brighton
Mikel Arteta was able to largely keep his emotions in check after this match. His criticisms of referees have landed the Spanish coach in hot water in the past.
For instance, after an incident-laden clash with Newcastle last season, Arteta was investigated by PGMOL for comments he made about the standard of officiating in the Premier League.
On this occasion, though, he was able to master his anger. This is good news, as the last thing the Gunners need now is for the manager to face any kind of sanctions.
However, Arteta was frustrated by the lack of explanation he was given for Rice’s dismissal.
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