Premier League referee Chris Kavanagh said he had no choice but to send Declan Rice off against Brighton in newly-released audio.
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Rice dismissed in Arsenal's draw to BrightonGiven second yellow for delay of playKavanagh says he had no choice in audioWHAT HAPPENED?
The Arsenal midfielder was given a second caution in the 1-1 draw with Brighton before the international break for knocking the ball away as the Seagulls went to take a quick free-kick. It was a controversial topic on social media and now audio has been released allowing fans to hear the entire process behind Rice's dismissal.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT KAVANAGH SAID
Communicating with his assistants and VAR at Stockley Park, Kavanagh said: "Ball clearly in. Possible defensive foul, given. I think he's gone to play the ball. He's gone to play the ball for me. Declan Rice has kicked the ball away. Going to have no choice mate. Second yellow for me. I had no choice, he knocks the ball away. As he's about to kick it, he knocks the ball away. Dec, you need to go. You need to go. I don't like it, but he's knocked the ball away, he's kicked the ball. Dec you need to go I'm afraid."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Kavanagh was heavily criticised by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after the game for being inconsistent with his decision-making. The Spaniard first suggested that Rice had not seen Joel Veltman trying to play the ball and later berated the official for failing to book Joao Pedro for a similar incident in the first half. It is not so much the incident with Rice itself that caused outrage from Gunners fans, but Kavanagh's failure to give the same punishment to the visitors.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR RICE?
Rice missed Arsenal's 1-0 win over Tottenham last weekend but will return for their Champions League bow against Atalanta on Thursday night. He will also be in line to start a massive game away to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
