Declan Rice was left stunned after receiving the first red card of his career in Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Brighton. The England midfielder was given a second yellow card for delaying a restart in a bizarre moment at the Emirates Stadium.
Rice was booked in the first half for a lunging challenge on Joel Veltman. It was the same Brighton player involved four minutes into the second half as Rice was dismissed.
The Arsenal star fouled Veltman in the corner of Brighton’s half and with Veltman trying to take a quick free kick, Rice nudged the ball away – causing the Seagulls defender to kick Rice instead. Rice’s delaying of the restart prompted a second yellow card.
As Chris Kavanagh flashed a red card in Rice’s direction, the 25-year-old was still rising to his feet. He proceeded to protest and ask why he had been sent off.
It was confirmed by the Premier League that Rice’s second yellow card had been issued for delaying the restart of the match, with Veltman clearly wanting to take a quick free kick.
Rice will now miss Arsenal’s North London derby clash with Tottenham on September 15, after the upcoming international break in which he will hope to impress interim England boss Lee Carsley. The former West Ham star will be a big miss for Mikel Arteta, particularly with new midfield signing Mikel Merino absent for several weeks with a shoulder injury.
Despite losing Rice early in the second half, Arsenal were able to hold on for a point against Brighton. Kai Havertz gave the Gunners the lead in the first half with a looping effort after Bukayo Saka got the better of Lewis Dunk.
Arsenal were in control until they went down to 10 men. But Brighton took charge with a numerical advantage and equalised through Joao Pedro. David Raya was then forced to make an excellent save to deny Yasin Ayari.
One man who could make his debut against Spurs, though, is Raheem Sterling. Arsenal sealed a loan deal to sign the experienced winger on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day. Sterling was not registered in time to play against Brighton but will be ready to face Spurs.
Arsenal’s draw was the first time they had dropped points this season, following victories over Arsenal and Wolves.
