Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was sent off in the 1-1 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion in a controversial fashion. He received the first booking for a clumsy challenge, but the second one was debatable.
The English star kicked the ball away before the opposition could take a free kick. However, Joel Veltman appeared to kick Rice, but the Gooner faced the wrath of the referee.
The Premier League issued a statement clarifying the decision that the card was given for ‘delaying the restart of play’ and ‘provoking a confrontation by deliberately touching the ball after the referee stopped play’ (as per Law 12 of the FA).
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However, many former referees and pundits didn’t agree to this decision. But what were the players’ reactions to this incident?
Kai Havertz couldn’t believe what he saw vs Brighton
A video was released on X showing Havertz completely bamboozled by the entire incident.
havertz’ reaction to the red is killing me. it took him a couple of seconds to process what happened 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/TeMA3KXz3n
— munii💌 (@m1nuyln) September 2, 2024
Rice getting second yellow was never in the realm of possibility. Havertz’s reaction was literally everyone in the stadium, including the away end.
The striker’s facial expression was hilarious to watch. The German probably thought the card was presented to Brighton lad Joel Veltman. The Dutch swept the ball through Rice’s legs, and a red followed later.
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Even the referee is trying so hard to make a sorry face. Brighton’s Joao Pedro also did a time-wasting action except the ball moving, but we didn’t see a booking there.
Bukayo Saka on the referee decision:
“In the first half Joao Pedro kicked it far away, didn’t get anything for it. Dec just done little touch and he got second yellow for it. It’s a bit harsh for me.
We just want some consistency.” [PL] pic.twitter.com/m9yVcZbd8w
— AfcVIP⁴⁹ (@VipArsenal) August 31, 2024
Such double-standard calls aren’t something new, but this one needs to be reversed. Havertz was really all of us on Saturday.
In Rice’s absence, Arteta will plan for immediate starting XI changes for the club’s next PL clash against Tottenh*m Hotsp*r.
New signing Raheem Sterling or Gabriel Martinelli might cover the left-wing region. Leandro Trossard taking the false nine role, with Bukayo Saka on the right-side of attack. Havertz could pair with Martin Ødegaard and Thomas Partey in midfield. Our best football came with the 4-4-2 formation with Havertz behind Trossard.
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The solutions are there, and even 17-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri can get some minutes off the bench.
We are excited to see our new lineup for the Spurs clash. Once Rice’s suspension shifts stop, everything will fall into place.
