Declan Rice's three-word comment to the referee indicates volumes following Arsenal's anger. Declan Rice was shown the first red card of his career during Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Brighton during the international break, and it's now been revealed what he said to the referee. Declan Rice quickly claimed his innocence following his red card against Brighton, according to newly released audio. The Arsenal midfielder was sent off against Brighton before the international break for two bookable offences. Rice was issued his first caution for a crunching challenge before receiving his second in a contentious altercation.
Following an incident with Brighton's Joel Veltman, Rice casually nudged the ball away, earning him a second yellow and a red card from referee Chris Kavanagh. And, as part of the Match Officials Mic'd Up series, the audio of the event was published.Referee Kavanagh commented at the time, "I have no choice, he knocks the ball away." He continued, "He's put me in a bad situation. You kicked the ball away. Dec, you need to leave. I don't like it, but he hit the ball. Dec, I'm afraid you have to leave."
When Kavanagh claimed he booted the ball away, Rice responded, "No, I didn't." Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard also spoke out against the decision, stating, "It's a joke." Rice's protests continued following the game. He remarked, "I was stunned, and I think you could see it on my face. He clearly went over... I haven't run back in front of him, smashing the ball away."I touched the ball with the outside of my foot. But see, these are the rules of the game. If you touch the ball away, even slightly, you will receive a red card following my challenge in the first half, which I fully agree was a 50-50 that I did not win. But the second half one, especially since it is on the corner flag, prevents them from moving forward.
"It was tough and harsh, but it's one of those things." I have to move on from it; I will be better for it, and I can only thank the players for digging deep for me, the manager for pushing everyone, and the supporters for their incredible performance this afternoon. That is how I see it.In the end, Rice's red card was maintained, forcing him to miss the North London derby against Tottenham. His absence was not felt, as the Gunners defeated their fierce rivals 1-0.
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