Gary Lineker has taken issue with a referee assessment panel that has supported match official Chris Kavanagh in his decision to send off Declan Rice in Arsenal’s draw with Brighton before the international break. His dismissal means he is ruled out of this Sunday’s North London Derby.
The Key Match Incidents board – which reviews major refereeing decisions each week – said Rice’s nudge of the ball away from Joel Veltman, thereby delaying the restart of play, a free-kick, was “clear, deliberate and impactful”. Kavanagh’s decision was unanimously backed by the panel, made up of three former players or coaches, and representatives of PGMOL and the Premier League.
A verdict statement said: “Rice knows what he’s doing – it’s a gentle touch, but once the referee sees it he has no choice.” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said post-match he was “amazed” by the decision, making reference to other match-delaying incidents from Brighton players.
