Declan Rice, an Arsenal midfielder, has apologised to the team and the fans after receiving a red card in the team’s home tie with Brighton. This is the first time the Gunners have lost ground on the opposition this season.
Referee Chris Kavanagh sent out the England international, who was already on a yellow card for a first-half foul, for allegedly delaying a free-kick that Joel Veltman of Brighton was attempting to take deep within their own half.
Pundits and Arsenal supporters were divided on Rice’s firing, with many feeling that the decision was severe. They contended that Rice’s little contact didn’t stop the ball from going, and the circumstances of the game didn’t support their conclusion.
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, voiced his displeasure but stayed silent when the referee made a decision. He did, however, ask Kavanagh to be more consistent, pointing out that Brighton’s top scorer, Joao Pedro, did not receive a penalty for doing the same thing earlier in the game.
Rice offered his thoughts following the game, saying, “I think you could see in my face that I was shocked.” The referee rendered his judgement. I didn’t knock the ball away or run back in front of him. I just used my foot’s outside to make contact with the ball.
I accept that my first-half challenge was a 50-50 that I lost, but even a minor touch can result in a red card under the rules of the game.
Rice went on to evaluate the incident, saying, “But the second one felt tough and harsh, especially considering it was near the corner flag where they couldn’t really advance from.” It is among those items.
I have to let it go, grow from it, and improve as a result. I also have to thank the management for inspiring everyone, the players for their effort, and the amazing fans for their continued support this afternoon. That’s how I see it.
Since Rice will now be suspended for Arsenal’s next game—a vital matchup against local rivals Tottenham—after the international break, things will only get worse for the team. To make matters worse, recently acquired Mikel Merino is also injured, which leaves Arteta with a big hole in the middle.
Rice maintained her optimism in the face of the setback, saying, “We’ll keep pushing forward.” I am aware that it is difficult for everyone, not just for myself. After the international break, we have a tough stretch of games ahead of us, but we’ll be prepared.
“This was my first red card in my career, so I just want to apologise to my teammates, which I’ve already done, and to the fans,” he stated after giving the situation more thought.
Receiving a dismissal is never easy—you experience guilt. We managed to win the game because, thankfully, my teammates came through. I’ll take what I can from it, and I sincerely value the fans’ ongoing encouragement. I’ll figure out how to do better because it’s not in my nature to receive red cards.
With optimism, Rice said, “I’ll definitely be back.” I think that all of the players in this squad, including myself, are working towards the same objective, which is success.
