Declan Rice: Why Arsenal Cannot Appeal Red Card Ahead of Tottenham Clash

• Declan Rice was sent off under very controversial circumstances during Arsenal's game against Brighton and Hove Albion
• He was shown a second yellow card for delaying the restart of play, with Joel Veltman's potential foul on him deemed inconsequential
• Rice will now have to sit out of the North London derby against Tottenham, with Premier League rules preventing an appeal

Arsenal dropped their first points of the new season after they were held to a one-all draw by Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta's side were forced to play with 10 men for the better part of the second half after Declan Rice was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Why Rice was sent off vs Brighton

Referee Chris Kavanagh showed the England international a second yellow card for delaying the restart of play in the 49th minute. Rice was spotted kicking the ball away as he collided with Joel Veltman's leg. Given that it was a second yellow card, the VAR could not intervene as the former West Ham skipper was sent for an early shower.

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The sending-off is set to come with a steep price, with Arsenal's next game a short trip to face their North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.

Why Arsenal cannot appeal Declan Rice red card

To make matters worse, Arteta's side cannot appeal the red card decision. Premier League rules dictate that clubs can only appeal a direct red card or two yellow cards in the case of mistaken identity. The use of the VAR has nowadays eliminated the mistaken identity which essentially means there are no longer appeals for yellow cards.

Rice will, therefore, have to serve a one-match ban after picking up the first red card of his career.

Shortly after the sending-off, Joao Pedro equalised for the Seagulls to cancel out Kai Havertz's opener.

Fans appreciate Thomas Partey

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At the same time, Briefly News has reported that fans saluted Thomas Partey for his impeccable display after Arsenal were reduced to 10 men.

The Ghanaian international has stepped up with impressive performances this season after overcoming injury issues.

He lasted the entire 90 minutes as Arsenal dug deep to secure a point vs Brighton.

Source: TUKO.co.ke