Mikel Arteta Questions Officiating Consistency After Declan Rice’s Red Card in Brighton Clash
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has voiced his frustration over the inconsistency in refereeing decisions that cost his team two crucial points in a dramatic 1-1 draw against Brighton.
The match, held at the Emirates Stadium, was marked by controversial moments that left Arteta and Arsenal fans fuming.
Arsenal appeared to be in control of the game with a 1-0 lead, thanks to a first-half goal. However, the match took a turn when Declan Rice was controversially sent off in the second half for what was deemed to be a delay in the restart of play.
The midfielder received his second yellow card after the referee judged him to have taken too long to resume play, a decision that has sparked widespread debate.
Arteta Slams Inconsistent Refereeing After Arsenal’s Frustrating Draw with Brighton Following Declan Rice’s Red Card
“It was the softest of yellow cards,” Arteta remarked post-match. “If it happens throughout the game in a consistent way, that is fine. But it did not happen. In the first half, there are a number of occasions where they [Brighton] kick the ball away and nothing happened. So it is the inconsistency.”
Arteta’s frustration stemmed not only from Rice’s sending-off but also from an earlier incident involving a Brighton player.
The Seagulls’ player had kicked the ball out of play after the referee’s whistle, a situation that typically warrants a caution. However, the referee chose not to issue a yellow card, adding to the inconsistency that Arteta found infuriating.
“Especially because it is in an area where it is not critical, and on top of that if you make that call, you have to give a red card [to Joel Veltman] as well,” Arteta argued. “If we have to play with 10, then they have to play with 10 because it is a red card for Veltman.”
The dismissal of Rice left Arsenal vulnerable, and Brighton capitalized on their numerical advantage, scoring an equalizing goal late in the match.
The draw leaves Arsenal further behind in their pursuit of Premier League glory, and Arteta’s concerns about inconsistent officiating will likely be echoed by many in the footballing community.
Mikel Arteta Questions Officiating Consistency After Declan Rice’s Red Card in Brighton Clash
