Declan Rice was the subject of headlines following his sending off against Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.
The Arsenal midfielder, who was already on a yellow card, adjusted the ball away from Joel Veltman who was ready to take a freekick as it led to his second booking and eventual red which cost the Gunners three points.
According to the Key Match Incidents panel of the league who reviewed the decision, it was adjudged to be a correct one.
It was the first time the 25-year-old would be seeing a red in his career, but the board which reviews big officiating decisions in the division concurred it was a proper call.
“Rice knows what he’s doing – it’s a gentle touch, but once the referee sees it, he has no choice,” the panel said. The panel also gave green light every on-field call over last weekend except the decision not to give Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes a second yellow card in their 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, however, the panel did argue over this call.
“Palmer is the wrong side of Hughes and has options left and right, therefore it is stopping a promising attack.”
Arsenal were eventually pegged back by a Joao Pedro leveller in what could be a crucial drop of the points in the 2024-25 campaign.
