Referee Chris Kavanagh stated he ‘didn't like’ sending off Declan Rice but felt obligated to do so after the midfielder knocked the ball away during a free-kick.
Mikel Arteta was left ‘amazed’ at the refereeing decision and questioned the interpretation of the rules, highlighting the inconsistency in officiating across the match.
Howard Webb noted that players were instructed on the importance of adhering to free-kick laws, emphasizing that Rice’s actions created a situation where Kavanagh had no alternative.
Although Brighton's Joao Pedro kicked the ball away in the same game, Webb stated that while their actions were different, he conceded that Pedro should have been booked.
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