Gunners midfielder Declan Rice controversially shown red card in draw
Arsenal took to the field this Saturday (31), but ended up drawing with Brighton in a 1-1 draw in the Premier League. The match was marked by a refereeing controversy: in the second half, the Gunners had the advantage, but Declan Rice was sent off in a dispute with Veltman, generating complaints from fans and the eventual draw for the visitors at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta gestures ahead of Arsenal v Brighton clash
Photo: BENJAMIN CREMEL / AFP / Lance!
After the match, London coach Mikel Arteta blasted the referee’s choice Chris Kavanagh in sending off the midfielder, and called for more consistency in marking for the entire English Championship squad.
– They didn’t give us any explanations, as usual. We started the second half really well, but the decision changed the game. If that happens throughout the game in a coherent way, it’s all good. But it wasn’t like that. Brighton players did it during the game and weren’t punished. It’s inconsistency – said the Spaniard.
Brighton, losing the match, had a free kick to take in their own half. Veltman, a Dutch defender, tried to make a quick pass; close to the ball, Rice gave it a light touch and knocked it out of the path of the opponent’s foot, who failed to release the ball and ended up hitting the Englishman. However, the only punishment was a yellow card for Declan, who was already on Kavanagh’s book, and he was sent to the showers early. Arsenal star, Bukayo Saka also questioned the choice of referee.
– We just want a bit more consistency in our choices. João Pedro kicked the ball away in the first half and got nothing for what he did. Declan only had a slight touch and was sent off… – questioned the right winger.
The draw puts both teams provisionally top of the Premier League, with seven points each. Brighton, however, are ahead having scored one more goal in the three rounds played (6 to 5).
