'Worst red card decision I've ever seen' - Arsenal fans fuming as Declan Rice is sent off in bizarre circumstances against Brighton, ruling him out of north London derby against Tottenham

Arsenal fans could not believe what they were seeing as Declan Rice was shown a red card against Brighton after appearing to be kicked.

- WHAT HAPPENED?
  
  Rice was given his marching orders by referee Chris Kavanagh shortly after half-time at the Emirates Stadium. He was penalised for fouling Joel Veltman but then stepped across the Brighton defender and got whacked by a swinging leg. Fans inside the stadium were chanting ‘off, off, off’, hoping to see punishment dished out to Veltman. But Rice received a second yellow card, seemingly for having subtly knocked the ball away as Veltman tried to take the free-kick.

WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

Celebrity fan Piers Morgan raged: “What the f*ck was that? Declan Rice sent off for being kicked to pieces? Worst red card decision I’ve ever seen.”

YankeeGunner added: “Whether you think rice is being cheeky or whatever, you simply cannot send a player off for that. It’s absolutely ‘main character’ syndrome from kavanaugh [sic].”

NepentheZ had more choice words about the officiating: “Wait, what the hell has Rice been sent off for? lmao. Joke of a ref he’s been a Brighton fan all game.”

Jamie Kent said: “TNT Sports commentators really trying to make out that Declan Rice tackle could’ve been a red card is laughable. Glad [Ally] McCoist is there to speak some sense.”

Zeets just stated: “He sent Declan Rice off for getting kicked?”
- THE BIGGER PICTURE
  
  Rice’s red card for two bookable offences comes with an automatic one-game ban, which means he will be suspended for the north London derby after the international break on September 15. It is a huge blow for the Gunners in what will be their first really big game of the new season.

WHAT NEXT?

Rice will link up with England after the weekend as the Arsenal squad temporarily splinters for internaitonal duty around the world. There can be no appeal against the suspension due to his dismissal being from two yellow cards and not a straight red.

‘Worst red card decision I’ve ever seen’ – Arsenal fans fuming as Declan Rice is sent off in bizarre circumstances against Brighton, ruling him out of north London derby against Tottenham