Mikel Arteta expresses his frustration over Declan Rice’s red card, criticizing referee Chris Kavanaugh as the Arsenal manager…

Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration regarding Declan Rice’s red card, criticizing referee Chris Kavanagh for his decision-making.

Declan Rice received a red card during Arsenal’s match against Brighton for kicking the ball away.

Following the 1-1 draw, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta voiced his concerns about the inconsistency displayed by referee Chris Kavanagh after Rice was controversially sent off.

The dismissal occurred when Rice nudged the ball away during a free-kick taken by Brighton, receiving a second yellow card despite being fouled by Joel Veltman.

Arsenal’s discontent was further fueled by a previous incident where Brighton’s Joao Pedro allowed the ball to go out of play near the sideline and then kicked it downfield to disrupt a quick throw-in, yet he faced no repercussions.

When questioned about the Premier League’s response to the Rice situation, Arteta told TNT Sports: “Nothing, as usual. If such actions are penalized consistently throughout the match, that would be acceptable, but that was not the case.

There were several instances where players kicked the ball away without any consequences.

“It’s a matter of inconsistency, particularly since it occurred in a non-critical area.

Moreover, if that decision was made, then a red card should have been issued for Veltman as well. If we had to play with ten men, they should have too.”

The situation worsened for Arsenal as Rice will miss the upcoming North London Derby against Tottenham due to suspension.

Additionally, with Mikel Merino likely sidelined after being seen with his arm in a sling during the Brighton match, Arteta will need to adjust his midfield strategy.

Arteta remarked, “I cannot comment on Rice’s availability for the next match. Our focus is solely on today’s game.

The team’s response was remarkable. Playing with ten men for 48 or 49 minutes, we should have secured the victory.”

Bukayo Saka, who assisted in Arsenal’s opening goal by setting up Kai Havertz to lob Bart Verbruggen, echoed his coach’s sentiments regarding the need for greater consistency from the officials.

“We are simply asking for consistency,” Saka stated to the BBC. “In the first half, Joao Pedro kicked the ball halfway across the pitch without any repercussions, while Dec received a red card for the slightest contact.”

Pedro, who avoided a yellow card, equalized just nine minutes after Arsenal was reduced to ten players.

Yankuba Minteh capitalized on an exceptional through ball from Lewis Dunk that split the home defense, and although David Raya parried his shot, Pedro was quick to score from the rebound.

Arsenal had maintained a degree of control in the match until Rice’s dismissal, but by the conclusion of the 90 minutes, they were fortunate to leave the Emirates with a point, as Brighton dominated the second half, a situation that Arteta and Saka felt was perhaps unwarranted.