"I don’t know what Declan Rice is meant to do" - Pundit makes bold claim on live commentary after Arsenal midfielder picks up red card
Pundit All McCoist reacted to Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice receiving a red card in the Gunners' 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 31. He said Joel Veltman should've been "punished" instead in the Premier League clash at the Emirates.
The Gunners scored through Kai Havertz in the 38th minute, taking the lead in their third Premier League game. However, Rice received a yellow card late around the half-time mark for a challenge on Veltman.
The Englishman was involved in yet another duel with Veltman in the 49th minute and fouled him. As the defender tried to take a quick free-kick, Rice seemingly toed the ball away. He was then inadvertently struck by the Dutch defender and went down.
While Arsenal fans protested against Veltman, Rice was shown a second yellow for obstruction and for delaying the restart of the game. The Englishman was sent off for the first time in his career. Things got further heated when Brighton equalised through Joao Pedro in the 58th minute, sending the Gunners' honest patrons into a state of frenzy.
While watching replays of the incident, pundit McCoist stated that Veltman was lucky not to have been penalised for his challenge. Here's what he said (via TBR Football):
"I don’t know what Declan Rice is meant to do. It looked like it was a kick-out at him! I think Joel Veltman is lucky to stay on the pitch with his kick out."
Rice will, as a result, miss the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur away on Sunday, September 15.
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka reacts to Declan Rice receiving a red card for delaying restart
Naturally, Arsenal players were left flabbergasted by Declan Rice's sending-off. Bukayo Saka, while reacting to the incident, pointed out that no action was taken against Joao Pedro when he nudged the ball away in the first half.
The Englishman asserted that officials lacked consistency over such calls. Here's what he said while speaking to TNT Sports:
"I thought it was a bit harsh for us. We just want some consistency. Joao Pedro booted the ball halfway across the pitch in the first half and got nothing for it and Dec got the slightest touch and was sent off."
"It is what it is, I dont want to put the whole game on the referee as we still had chances to win it. It has been a good start. Today is a disappointment but it is a long season."
Arsenal were among four clubs (including Brighton) that won their first two Premier League games and they remain unbeaten after three games. While the result wasn't favorable, they will be hoping to return to winning ways following the international break.