Declan Rice was not fortunate to avoid a red cad in Arsenal’s defeat to Brighton, according to former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher.
In the closing stages of the Gunners’ 3-0 loss – their first in any competition this season – Rice appeared to kick out at Malick Yalcouye after the Brighton midfielder had barged into him long after the ball had been played.
The incident resulted in Rice receiving only a yellow card from referee Darren England but some observers felt the England star, who was sent off against Brighton two years ago, could easily have been dismissed for violent conduct.
Had that happened, Rice would be missing all of Arsenal’s October Premier League games. Instead, he will be available for home games with Leeds and Everton, plus the trip to Nottingham Forest.
Speaking on Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch on Monday, Gallagher said England’s call was correct.
He said: "I think it's petulant (but) what you've got to remember is that it's got to be deemed violent conduct (for a red card). Is that brutal or malicious? I think not.
"He runs a risk, there's no doubt about that. For me, that's not an act of violence. It's a very unwise thing to do, but the referee got it right."
Arsenal’s defeat has left the champions three points behind Manchester City heading into the extended international break which will see a three-week gap between Premier League matchdays.
The Gunners’ next game will be against unbeaten Leeds at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday October 10. A win for the visitors that day would see them leapfrog their opponents in the table.
