Arsenal’s 1-1 draw towards Brighton on the Emirates Stadium was marred by controversial officiating, leaving Gunners followers annoyed.
Arsenal took the lead simply earlier than the break with a well-executed lob by Kai Havertz, setting the tone for the match.
Nonetheless, the sport took a major flip within the second half when Declan Rice obtained a somewhat controversial second yellow card, leading to his first profession pink.
Rice was punished for allegedly delaying Joel Veltman’s quickly-taken free-kick, a call that proved pivotal as Brighton equalised quickly after by way of Joao Pedro.
Pedro’s antics went unpunished
Including to the controversy, TNT shared a clip of Joao Pedro who had earlier kicked the ball away throughout the first half with none punishment, an motion that many believed deserved at the least a yellow card.
João Pedro kicked the ball away because it went out of play throughout the first half however did not obtain a card ? pic.twitter.com/cvB5ryd1vZ
— Soccer on TNT Sports activities (@footballontnt) August 31, 2024
Arsenal slam inconsistent officiating
The choice to ship Rice was broadly slammed, with Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta and Bukayo Saka each popping out and criticising the shortage of consistency in officiating.
Saka in his submit match interview identified the inconsistency, saying:
“We simply need some consistency. Joao Pedro booted the ball midway throughout the pitch within the first half and received nothing for it. Dec received the slightest contact and was despatched off…”
????? Saka on pink card to Declan Rice: “We simply need some consistency”.
“Joao Pedro booted the ball midway throughout the pitch within the first half and received nothing for it”.
“Dec received the slightest contact and was despatched off…”, says by way of @SamJDean. pic.twitter.com/s59ODGPR05
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2024
This inconsistency in officiating has sparked debate amongst Arsenal supporters and pundits alike, who additionally questioned why Rice was despatched off for the same offence whereas Pedro confronted no penalties.
