Verification from Incidents panel confirms Kavanagh made the right call in sending Rice off

web editor

The England star received his first-ever red card in a surprising turn of events, leaving many shocked. However, the Premier League's decision-review board ultimately deemed it the correct call after reviewing the incident.

Referee Chris Kavanagh was right to send Declan Rice off in Arsenal's draw with Brighton according to the Key Match Incidents panel who reviewed the controversial decision.AdvertisementAdvertisement

"Rice knows what he's doing - it's a gentle touch, but once the referee sees it, he has no choice." Said the panel.

The panel supported every on-field call over last weekend except the decision not to give Crystal Palace's Will Hughes a second yellow card in their 1-1 draw at Chelsea.

However, the panel did argue over this call:

"Palmer is the wrong side of Hughes and has options left and right, therefore it is stopping a promising attack."

Arsenal succumbed to a Joao Pedro's leveller which earned Brighton a point at the Emirates, a point that could be crucial in the title race.