“We just want some consistency” - Arsenal star Bukayo Saka laments red card decision against Declan Rice as he pinpoints Brighton escaping punishment
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has expressed his dissatisfaction over the inconsistencies in the refereeing in the Premier League. It comes after Declan Rice was given his marching orders in their match against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates on Saturday, August 31.
Arsenal hosted Brighton in their third Premier League game of the 2024-2025 season as both sides look to maintain their perfect start to the season. Mikel Arteta’s men took a deserved lead in the first half. Kai Havertz (38') lifted the ball over Bart Verbruggen after some fine work from Bukayo Saka.
The second half started with a dramatic turn of events as Arsenal were reduced to 10 men just four minutes in. Declan Rice received a second yellow card and was sent off for delaying the restart after having fouled Joel Veltman. Rice picked up his second booking of the game, having received the first one in the first half for a late tackle.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s talisman Bukayo Saka pointed out the inconsistencies in referee Chris Kavanagh’s officiating after the match. He alluded that Brighton’s striker Joao Pedro was also guilty of booting the ball down the touchline having failed to keep it in play in the first half. However, the Brazilian wasn't booked. Saka said (via Daily Cannon):
“We just want some consistency. Joao Pedro booted the ball halfway across the pitch in the first half and got nothing for it. Dec got the slightest touch and was sent off.”
Declan Rice’s red card proved costly for Arsenal as Brighton equalized nine minutes later and appeared to take control of the game. It ended in a 1-1 draw.
It was Rice’s first red card for the first time in his 245th appearance in the Premier League. His red card means he will miss the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur away after the international break.
Kai Havertz makes feeling clear on Arsenal new signing Raheem Sterling
Kai Havertz has made known how he feels about Raheem Sterling’s move to Arsenal as he heaped praise on him during their time together at Chelsea. Sterling joined Arsenal from the Blues on a loan deal on deadline day to reunite with his former teammate Havertz at the Emirates.
The German is excited about the move and spoke about their relationship while they were both at Chelsea. He said via Football.London:
"We needed goals, he scored two goals in the end and that’s the most important thing. In the end, I think he did well and he helped us a lot today. It is very exciting [having a player like that around]. We have played four games and he has shown his quality today again.
"Sometimes it takes a bit of time to adapt 100 per cent, but he has adapted very fast and we can build on that in the future. We are all delighted for him. You can see in every training session how much work and effort he puts in, and he just deserves it. It is nice to play with him. He has lot of experience and knows how to move, and it helps you a lot if you have such experienced players next to you. His style of play suits us very well."
The Gunners will next be in action against Tottenham Hotspur on September 15 after the international break.