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Arsenal icon Ray Parlour has blasted referee Chris Kavanagh for his decision to send Declan Rice off in his former club's 1-1 draw at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday (August 31). The decision proved impactful for the title hopefuls, who went on to draw the game after Joao Pedro equalized for the Seagulls nine minutes later.
The English midfielder was initially booked in the first half before being sent off after getting a second yellow card early in the second half for trying to stop Joel Veltman from taking a free kick quickly. The referee chose not to offer any consideration to the midfielder and his sending-off robbed the hosts of one of their best performers on the afternoon.
Taking to X after the decision, the former Arsenal star voiced the feelings of many Gooner fans and sympathizers, posting:
"Absolute joke of a decision. Disgrace."
The north London outfit will now be without Declan Rice for their next league game against cross-town rivals Tottenham Hotspur after the international break.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta blasts inconsistent refereeing after Declan Rice's red card against Brighton
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has blasted the inconsistent refereeing in the Premier League following the sending off of Declan Rice in his side's 1-1 draw at home to Brighton.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, the Spanish tactician said:
"If that happens throughout the game in a consistent way, that’s fine. But it didn’t happen in the first half. There were a number of occasions where they kicked the ball away and nothing happened. So it’s inconsistency, especially because as well it’s in an area that is not critical, and on top of that, if you make that call, then you have to give a red card as well [to Veltman]."
The title contenders will hope to manage without Rice in the game against Tottenham and keep pace with the reigning champions, who are chasing an unprecedented fifth consecutive league title.
