Bukayo Saka Calls Out Referee After Declan Rice Red in Arsenal vs Brighton
- Arsenal were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Brighton in the Premier League's early kick-off at the Emirates
- The post-game discussion surrounded Declan Rice's red card in the second half, which has elicited mixed reactions
- Gunners boss Mike Arteta and winger Bukayo Saka have opened up on the controversial decision
Arsenal have dropped points for the first time this season following a 1-1 draw with Brighton in the Premier League early kick-off.
The talking point from the game was Declan Rice's red card early in the second half.
Mikel Arteta and Bukayo Saka have called out the officials for inconsistent officiating during the game.
Source: UGC
Saka set up Kai Havertz's second league goal in the 38th minut, and the Gunners looked like they would make it three wins from three.
However, Rice was shown a second yellow card for delaying play in the 49th minute by preventing Joel Veltman from taking a quick free-kick.
Brighton scored nearly 10 minutes later through Joao Pedro, who tapped in a rebound after David Raya saved Yankuba Minteh's shot.
Both teams went for a winner, but the contest ended in a stalemate. The Seagulls are now unbeaten in the Premier League after three games under new manager Fabian Hurzeler.
Saka and Arteta react to Rice red
Speaking after the game, Arteta was asked to give an explanation on the red card.
“None, like always,” he told TNT Sports via Football365. "If it [bookings] happens throughout the game in a consistent way it is fine but it didn’t. It is the inconsistency.”
Saka echoed Arteta's sentiments about the decision.
“I thought it was a bit harsh for us. We just want some consistency. Joao Pedro booted the ball halfway across the pitch in the first half and got nothing for it and Dec got the slightest touch and was sent off."
Rice's red card means he will miss the crucial North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on September 15, after the international break.
Which Arsenal players need to improve?
Briefly News earlier reported that Arsenal legend Ian Wright has named three Gunner players who will have a step up this season.
The retired striker said Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Reiss Nelson need to improve to give Arsenal a chance to win the title. Jesus and Martinelli contributed 16 goals last season, while Nelson scored once in 24 matches.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
