Arsenal’s midfielder Declan Rice has been controversially sent off for the first time in his Premier League career during a heated 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side had taken the lead through Kai Havertz’s first-half goal when Rice saw a red after receiving a second yellow card in a puzzling incident.
The Arsenal midfielder was booked for gently kicking the ball away and failing to retreat promptly after fouling Brighton’s Joel Veltman.
Rice appeared stunned by the decision, and Arteta confronted the fourth official as angry Arsenal supporters chanted at referee Chris Kavanagh, accusing him of being unfit to officiate.
According to the Premier League, Rice was dismissed for “delaying the restart,” with VAR unable to review the decision since it involved a yellow card rather than a direct red.
Brighton capitalised on Arsenal’s numerical disadvantage, with Joao Pedro scoring the equaliser to end the Gunners’ perfect start to the season.
Arsenal, who had won their first two matches against Wolves and Aston Villa, faced their first setback in their pursuit of dethroning champions Manchester City.
Rice’s suspension means he will miss Arsenal’s next match, a crucial north London derby against Tottenham on September 15, 2024.
Commenting on the red card, Arteta criticised the decision saying, “If it happens consistently throughout the game, it’s fine, but it didn’t. It’s the inconsistency.”
He added, “We started well, scored, and were in control, but the decision changed the game completely.”
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler defended the call, stating, “He shoots the ball away, so it’s a clear yellow card. It changes the momentum of the game.”
