Arsenal have been handed a new verdict on Declan Rice’s “petulant” kick on Brighton’s Malick Yalcouye after the Gunners star avoided red
Arsenal have been handed a new verdict on Declan Rice’s red card controversy after he seemingly kicked out at Brighton’s Malick Yalcouye.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has supported the decision to give Rice a yellow card, rather than a red, during Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat after his “petulant” kick in retaliation to a shoulder barge.
Referee Darren England only issued a yellow as he felt the challenge was out of frustration, rather than violent conduct. Gallagher gave his view on Sky Sports refereeing program Ref Watch: “I think it’s petulant. What you’ve got to remember is that it’s got to be deemed violent conduct.
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“Is that brutal or malicious? I think not. He runs a risk, there’s no doubt about that. For me, that’s not an act of violence. It’s a very unwise thing to do, but the referee got it right.”
The kick-out drew comparisons to Phil Foden’s red card during the Manchester derby earlier this month, where the midfielder got his marching orders for lashing a leg out at Bruno Fernandes.
Jay Bothroyd, who also appeared on Ref Watch, said: “Why is Bruno Fernandes’ not violent conduct last week? I think if Foden goes, Fernandes should go too. I don’t think this is worthy of a red card.
“If that was a counter-attack, that would be seen as a professional foul. He’s just clipping his heels. If he got sent off though, most of us would be asking why is that a red card?
“I didn’t think Foden was a red card last week, and I don’t think this one was a red card.”
It’s the second time this season Rice has seemingly kicked out an opponent after he also performed a similar action on Morgan Rogers.
Rice avoided any sort of caution on that occasion, with Rogers instead finding his name in the book for his reaction.