Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Emirates Stadium was marred by controversial refereeing, which left Gunners fans frustrated.
Arsenal took the lead just before the break with a well-executed lob by Kai Havertz, which set the tone for the game.
However, the game took a major turn in the second half when Declan Rice received a rather controversial second yellow card, resulting in his first career red.
Rice was booked for delaying Joel Veltman’s quick free-kick, a decision that proved crucial when Brighton equalized soon after through Joao Pedro.
Pedro’s antics went unpunished
Adding to the controversy, TNT has shared a clip of Joao Pedro previously kicking the ball away in the first half without any punishment, an action many believed deserved at least a yellow card.
João Pedro kicked the ball offside in the first half but didn’t get a card? pic.twitter.com/cvB5ryd1vZ
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 31, 2024
Arsenal hit with inconsistent refereeing
The decision to send Rice on was widely criticised, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Bukayo Saka criticizing the lack of consistency in the trades.
Saka in his post-match interview pointed out the inconsistency, saying:
“We just want a bit of consistency. Joao Pedro kicked the ball in the middle of the pitch in the first half and he got nothing. Dec got the slightest touch and was sent off…”
????? Red carded Saka to Declan Rice: ‘We just want some consistency.’
“Joao Pedro threw the ball in the middle of the field in the first half and got nothing.”
“Dec got the slightest touch and was kicked out…” he says via @SamJDean. pic.twitter.com/s59ODGPR05
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2024
This inconsistency in officiating has sparked debate among Arsenal fans and pundits alike, who also questioned why Rice was sent off for a similar offense while Pedro faced no consequences.
