Bukayo Saka called for more “consistency” from Premier League referees after Declan Rice was sent off controversially against Brighton.
Arsenal looked in control and was rewarded for their efforts when Kai Havertz drew first blood in the 38th minute. However, the marching orders to Rice within five minutes of the second-half tilted the balance of the match in Brighton’s favour and just before the hour-mark Joao Pedro equalised, making the most of the numerical advantage over the Gunners.
Brighton defender Joel Veltman appeared to be preparing for a quick restart, though the ball was still moving, which would have rendered the kick illegal. In an attempt to delay the restart, Rice nudged the ball away, causing Veltman’s kick to strike him instead of the ball. Despite the minimal nature of the infringement, referee Chris Kavanagh deemed it worthy of a second yellow card, resulting in Rice’s dismissal.
After the match, Saka pointed out that Pedro had committed a similar offence in the first half, kicking the ball away in a manner, but went unpunished. He was frustrated with the lack of uniformity in officiating across the match, telling BBC Sport: “I thought it was a bit harsh for us. We just want some consistency. Joao Pedro booted the ball halfway across the pitch in the first half and got nothing for it, and Dec got the slightest touch and was sent off. It is what it is; I don’t want to put the whole game on the referee as we still had chances to win it. It has been a good start. Today is a disappointment, but it is a long season.”
The draw against Brighton leaves Arsenal with more than just dropped points to worry about. With Rice now suspended for their next match and new signing Mikel Merino sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Mikel Arteta faces a selection headache ahead of the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur on September 15.
The manager will now be forced to come up with an alternative blueprint against their bitter north London rivals in the absence of the two key midfielders as they aim to maintain their strong start to the season
