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The Premier League Incidents board have weighed in on the Englishman's sending-off against Brighton.
The Key Match Incidents panel have ruled that referee Chris Kavanagh was correct in sending off Declan Rice during Arsenal's draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.
What happened?
The midfielder, who was already on a booking, nudged the ball away from Joel Veltman as he prepared to take a free-kick in the 49th minute, leading to a second yellow card in the eventual 1-1 draw and the panel agreed that Rice's actions were "clear, deliberate and impactful" and a second yellow card was warranted, according to a BBC Sport report.
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While the Englishman’s touch was subtle, the panel emphasised that the referee had no choice but to send him off, stating, "Rice knows what he's doing - it's a gentle touch, but once the referee sees it he has no choice."
The red card, the midfielder's first sending-off of his career, came at a crucial moment for Mikel Arteta’s team, who were leading 1-0, only for Joao Pedro's equaliser for Brighton to ultimately earn the Seagulls a point at the Emirates.
As a consequence, the Englishman is suspended for this weekend’s North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
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VAR intervention in Trent Alexander-Arnold's goal
The Key Match Incidents panel also reviewed the video assistant referee's (VAR) decision to overturn Trent Alexander-Arnold's strike in Liverpool's 3-0 win over Manchester United.
The goal was initially awarded but was subsequently ruled out due to Mohamed Salah being offside in the build-up, and the panel unanimously supported the VAR's decision, confirming that the goal was indeed incorrectly given.
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Controversy surrounds Will Hughes
While the panel unanimously supported the decision to give Crystal Palace's Will Hughes a first yellow card, there was disagreement regarding the referee's decision not to issue a second caution.
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The Eagles midfielder pulled back Cole Palmer outside the box just after half-time, but referee Jarred Gillett opted not to send him off.
Although the majority of the panel (3-2) supported Gillett's decision, arguing that Palmer had options and was not being stopped from a promising attack. However, two panellists disagreed, believing that Hughes' foul prevented a dangerous situation for Olliver Glasner’s side.
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