The Key Match Incidents panel has endorsed referee Chris Kavanagh’s decision to send off Declan Rice during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion. The panel agreed that Rice’s actions, nudging the ball away from Joel Veltman while already on a yellow card, warranted a second booking.
Despite the subtlety of Rice’s touch, the panel deemed it “clear, deliberate and impactful,” affirming that the referee had no alternative but to issue a red card. This sending-off was Rice’s first of his career, and it came at a critical time when Arsenal was leading 1-0. Brighton’s Joao Pedro equalized, leading to a draw. Rice will now miss Arsenal’s upcoming North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
VAR CONFIRMS DISALLOWED GOAL IN LIVERPOOL’S WIN
The panel also reviewed the VAR decision to disallow Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goal in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Manchester United. The goal was overturned due to Mohamed Salah being offside in the build-up. The panel unanimously agreed that the VAR decision was correct, confirming that the goal was indeed improperly awarded.
CONTROVERSY OVER WILL HUGHES’ YELLOW CARDS
Regarding Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes, the panel supported the decision to issue a first yellow card but was divided on whether a second caution was warranted. Hughes pulled back Cole Palmer just outside the box after half-time. Referee Jarred Gillett chose not to give a second yellow card.
The panel was split 3-2: the majority agreed with Gillett, noting that Palmer had alternative options and was not prevented from a promising attack. However, two panelists felt Hughes’ foul did obstruct a dangerous situation for Chelsea.