Premier League release statement confirming exactly why Declan Rice was sent off after fans slammed decision

An official explanation has been offered by the Premier League after Arsenal star Declan Rice was sent off against Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Gunners were nursing a one-goal lead given to them by Kai Havertz when Rice was shown a second yellow card in the 49th minute.

Rice was already booked in the first half after a tough challenge on Joel Veltman.

In the second half, Rice tangled again with Veltman and was then shown a second yellow card by referee Chris Kavanagh.

Gunners fans were left seething as they demanded Veltman be punished after appearing to kick Rice.

However, replays did go on to show Rice nudging the ball away.

On the back of the incident, the Premier League Match Centre social media account offered an explanation.

A statement read: “#ARSBHA – 48’. The referee issued a second yellow card to Declan Rice for delaying the restart.”

BBC football reporter Alex Howell wrote: “In the stadium the red card for Rice was the last outcome that supporters thought was coming. They were calling for Veltman to be punished for kicking Rice and not the ball.

“It's only on the replay you see that Rice nudged the ball and it looks as though the referee got that decision right. Two very needless yellow cards for Rice.”

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Within 10 minutes after Rice’s red card, Brighton equalised through Brazilian forward Joao Pedro, who followed up to tap in after Yakuba Minteh’s effort was saved by Gunners keeper David Raya.

Reacting to the goal, TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist said: “What a pass form Lewis Dunk, Gabriel should do better when he comes across. It's a brilliant follow-up from Joao Pedro.

“The sending poff has transformed the fixture. It'll be interesting to see what Arsenal do.”

With a man's advantage, Brighton pushed for the winning goal but Arsenal stood firm as the match ended in a 1-1 draw, ending the Gunners' 100% start to the season.