Declan Rice immediately protested his innocence after his red card against Brighton, new audio has revealed.
The Arsenal midfielder was given his marching orders against the Seagulls before the international break for two bookable offences. Rice was given his first caution for a crunching challenge before collecting his second in a controversial incident.
After an exchange with Brighton star Joel Veltman, Rice lightly nudged the ball away which led to referee Chris Kavanagh awarding him a second yellow and a red. And as part of the Match Officials Mic'd Up series, the audio of the incident has been released.
Speaking at the time, referee Kavanagh said: "I have no choice, he knocks the ball away." He added: "He's put me in an awful position. You did kick the ball away, you did. Dec you need to go. I don't like it but he's knocked the ball. Dec you need to go I am afraid."
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At Kavanagh’s claim he kicked the ball away, Rice then replied: "No I didn't." Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard also expressed his disgust at the decision and was picked up saying: "It's a joke."
Rice’s protests continued after the game. He said: “I was shocked, I think you could see in my face I was shocked. He’s obviously gone over... I’ve not sprinted back in front of him and smashed the ball away.
“I’ve touched the ball with the outside of my foot. But look, this is the laws of the game. If you touch ball away, even a little bit, obviously it’s a red card after my challenge in the first half which I fully accept was a 50-50 that I didn’t win. But the second half one, especially with it being in the corner flag, they can't really progress anywhere from there.
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“It was tough, it was harsh, but it's one of those things. I have to move on from it, I will be better for it and I can only praise the players for digging deep for me, and the manager for pushing everyone, and the fans as well who were unbelievable again this afternoon. That’s how I see it.”
In the end, Rice’s red card was upheld, leading him to miss the North London derby clash with Tottenham. His absence was not felt particularly as the Gunners ran out 1-0 winners against their fierce rivals.
Rice is set to return this week across what is due to be a tricky week. Mikel Arteta ’s side take on Atalanta in their Champions League opener on Thursday. They then tackle former title rivals Manchester City this weekend.
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