Arsenal fans have been left seething over midfielder Declan Rice’s sending-off against Brighton and Hove Albion.
On Saturday afternoon, Arsenal hosted Brighton at the Emirates Stadium for a Premier League match.
The Gunners started strongly and took the lead with a goal from Kai Havertz in the 38th minute.
In the second half, Arsenal’s advantage was undermined when midfielder Declan Rice received a second yellow card and was sent off.
Initially, fans were upset after replays revealed that Rice had been accidentally kicked by Brighton’s Joel Veltman, who missed the ball.
It was later clarified that Rice had actually moved the ball away from Veltman to delay the game restart.
For a time, TNT Sports commentators Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist were puzzled by Rice’s second booking.
On social media, reactions were harsh: one fan wrote, “The referee’s decision is absolutely outrageous. Joao Pedro kicked the ball far up the pitch earlier and wasn’t booked, yet Rice is sent off for that? Unbelievable. Use some common sense!”
Another tweeted, “How does Declan Rice get a red card for getting kicked????”
A third fan remarked, “Declan Rice’s red card might be one of the worst of the season. Veltman kicked out, hitting the ball towards Rice, who couldn’t take a free kick because the ball was moving. It was a very soft foul by Rice.”
Arsenal supporter Piers Morgan commented: “What was that all about? Declan Rice was dismissed for being battered? It’s the most outrageous red card decision I’ve ever witnessed.”
McCoist stated on TNT Sports: “I’m not sure what Declan Rice was supposed to do. It appeared to be a kick directed at him! Joel Veltman seems fortunate to remain on the field after his kick.”
Rice will miss Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League game, a crucial matchup against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
