Ian Wright Blasts Referee Chris Kavanagh for ‘Main-Character Energy’ in Declan Rice Red Card Incident
Ian Wright has launched a blistering critique of Premier League referee Chris Kavanagh following the controversial red card issued to Arsenal’s Declan Rice during their 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The incident unfolded in the 49th minute when Rice, already on a yellow card, was dismissed after kicking the ball away as Brighton’s Joel Veltman was preparing to take a free kick.
This second yellow card led to Rice’s early exit from the match, costing Arsenal crucial points in their pursuit of the league title.
Wright, the Arsenal legend and outspoken pundit, took aim at Kavanagh’s handling of the match, questioning his decision-making and consistency.
Ian Wright Accuses Referee Kavanagh of Bias After Declan Rice’s Dismissal Against Brighton
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Wright expressed his frustration, describing Kavanagh as having “main-character energy.” He remarked, “You have to take the point. I do think Declan (Rice) will look at the two yellows and be a little disappointed.”
Wright elaborated on his discontent with the referee’s performance, criticizing Kavanagh’s selective enforcement of rules. “When you look at the refereeing and some of the decisions he (Chris Kavanagh) made, I think this referee had main-character energy anyway,” Wright stated.
He continued, “At the same time, when people (Joao Pedro) are kicking the ball away in the first half and you aren’t booking them, then you kind of do feel a little aggrieved by that.”
Wright also pointed out the perceived inconsistency in Kavanagh’s decisions, particularly regarding Veltman’s actions. “Veltman is trying to get him booked. He has nobody to pass the ball to. He knows exactly what he is doing. Those are the things VAR can look at,” Wright argued. He added, “Declan Rice doesn’t have to kick the ball, but at the same time, Declan is playing the game, but so is Veltman.”
The former striker concluded with a call for fairness in officiating, criticizing the lack of action against similar infractions earlier in the game.
“If we are going to be doing stuff like that with people kicking the ball away, then do that in the first half with Joao Pedro. The ball went out of play and he still blasted the ball away. Do it properly all the way. That’s why Arsenal fans have got the hump.”
Ian Wright Blasts Referee Chris Kavanagh for ‘Main-Character Energy’ in Declan Rice Red Card Incident