Alex Brotherton
Alex Brotherton
John Terry held nothing back with a three-word response to Declan Riceâs controversial red card on Saturday.
Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, but it could prove to be a valuable point for Mikel Artetaâs side after they played most of the second half with 10 men.
Declan Rice was sent off for the first time in his career just minutes into the second half, and it could be the most bizarre dismissal we see all season.
The England midfielder was booked for a late challenge on Brightonâs Joel Veltman late in the first half, before he was shown a second yellow just after half-time.
Rice fouled the Dutch defender near the corner flag, and as he moved away he gently tapped the ball just as Veltman went to take the quick free-kick.
Veltman ended up accidentally kicking the Arsenal star, but referee Chris Kavanagh spotted that Rice had kicked the ball away, albeit only slightly.
Rice was visibly stunned when the referee showed him a second yellow card, as he thought it was a harsh decision.
He later posted on Instagram: âDisappointed. Didnât feel it deserved a second yellow card but will learn and be better for it. Proud of the boys regardless & thank you for the amazing support Gunners.â
Former Chelsea and England defender John Terry certainly didnât think Rice committed a second bookable offence. He commented on Riceâs post: âWorst decision EVER,â along with an angry face emoji.
During a post-match interview with Arsenalâs in-house media team, Rice admitted that Kavanagh made the correct decision.
âThis is the laws of the game. If you touch the ball even a little bit itâs a red card, after my challenge in the first half,â Rice said.
âIt was tough, it was harsh, but itâs one of those things. I have to move on from it.â
After the match, a Premier League statement confirmed that âthe referee issued a second yellow card to Declan Rice for delaying the restart.â