"No explanation like always" - Mikel Arteta responds to controversial red card for Declan Rice as Arsenal share points in draw with Brighton
Mikel Arteta gave an angry verdict of Declan Rice's red card in Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion today (August 31). The Spanish coach pointed out a lack of consistency after watching his midfielder controversially get sent off.
Declan Rice received two yellow cards with the second because of a delaying play. He nudged the ball away from Joel Veltman as the Brighton defender went to take a quick free kick.
Kavanagh adjudged Rice to have prevented Veltman from taking a free kick. He brandished a second yellow card of the day for the Englishman, and the first red card of his career followed.
Brighton had kicked the ball away on several occasions during the first half. Joao Pedro was guilty of doing so and went unpunished. This was pointed out by a frosty Arteta, who was seething post-match when speaking to TNT Sports:
"No explanation like always... If that happens (punishment for delays) in a consistent way in a game 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 and it's in an area where it's not critical and on top of that if you make that call you have to give a red."
Veltman's reaction to Rice was arguably more deserving of a red card than Rice's two bookable offenses. The Dutchman kicked out at the £100 million man but didn't receive a punishment.
Arteta said:
"We had to play with 10 and they had to play with 10 because it's a red card (for) Veltman."
Arsenal settled on a point after initially taking the lead through Kai Havertz's chip (38'). Rice picked up his first booking for a foul on Veltman (42') before he was handed his marching orders (49').
Pedro Neto drew Brighton level (58'), and the Seagulls pinned the hosts back with the extra man. Arteta's side tried countering several times, but it was honors even on a drama-filled afternoon in north London.
Declan Rice will miss Arsenal's clash with Tottenham Hotspur
Declan Rice's sending-off has huge consequences: He'll miss the upcoming North London derby. After the international break, Arsenal travel to Tottenham Hotspur on September 15.
It's a massive blow for Arteta, who is already without summer signing Mikel Merino. The Spanish midfielder sustained a fractured shoulder in training and is set for weeks out.
Declan Rice had made an excellent start to the season after a questionable showing at Euro 2024 with England. He made an immaculate start to life at Arsenal after arriving from West Ham United for £100 million last summer.