Joel Veltman, a defender for Brighton & Hove Albion, said Declan Rice of Arsenal was unlucky to be sent off in their match before the international break.
The Gunners' perfect start to the 2024–25 season was ended by the Seagulls with a 1–1 draw at the Emirates Stadium, but they obtained that point under dubious circumstances.
Rice fouled Veltman, giving Arsenal the lead, then was shown a second yellow card for interfering with Veltman's attempt to take a swift free kick.
Many thought that referee Chris Kavanagh's red card for Veltman's violent behaviour was actually for him when he swung and kicked Rice while attempting to take the free kick. It turned out to be for Rice instead, though.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Veltman said that, while he felt sorry for Rice once he acknowledged his error, the social media response to the incident was excessive.
It goes a long way for me, starting with social media remarks. I don't want to talk too much about it since we have a fresh game day coming up," Veltman stated.
"All I can say is that I was not in the mood to kick him. Simply put, I kicked him after he kicked it away. It seems rather severe to me as well. You can see my reaction if you turn around. I was going to ask him, "Why did you kick it?," rather than going to the referee to give him another yellow card. I apologise for kicking you.
"I believe he made a fantastic remark. That, in my opinion, is what most shocked me about him—his remarks in the press afterward."
Due to the inability to appeal red cards resulting from two cautions, Rice will miss Arsenal's Sunday matchup against Tottenham Hotspur, a rival team in north London.
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