Liverpool legend questions controversial red card for Declan Rice

Peter Crouch has reacted to Declan Rice’s controversial red card during Arsenal’s disappointing 1-1 draw.

Mikel Arteta’s side will be hugely disappointed to have dropped points already this Premier League season, especially considering how much they paid in the first half.

Despite Brighton’s attempts to disrupt Arsenal’s midfield three by flooding the midfield with players, the Gunners still managed to break through after a direct attack.

Bukayo Saka unexpectedly won a high ball from Lewis Dunk and played the ball in the direction of Kai Havertz, who fired a fine chip over the keeper.

But disaster struck just after half-time when Rice was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away, while Joel Veltman had not yet had the chance to take his free kick.

The momentum changed when Joao Pedro equalised shortly afterwards and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

After the match, Saka referred to an earlier incident in which the Brighton striker also delayed the restart, but in a much more egregious manner, for which he was not punished.

Peter Crouch on Declan Rice’s red card

Liverpool legend Crouch shared this view on the TNT panel and questioned the consistency of the referee’s decisions.

“That (ball) went a meter (after Rice’s touch), but in the first half Joao Pedro kicked the ball 30, 40 meters (far away),” he said.

“That must have had more impact than Declan Rice’s. There’s no way he plays that ball other than to slow the game down. That must have had a much bigger impact than Declan Rice’s.”

“Where’s the consistency?” 😬

Martin Keown and Peter Crouch disagree with referee’s decision to give Declan Rice a second yellow card ❌ photo.twitter.com/1Yoo0WCiwD

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 31, 2024

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