VAR Audio Reveals What Referee Told Declan Rice After Brighton Red Card

Referee Chris Kavanagh, who sent off Arsenal’s Declan Rice during their Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion in August, explained to the midfielder that while he “doesn’t like the rules,” Rice’s actions left him in an “awful position.”

Rice, already on a yellow card, clashed with Brighton’s Joel Veltman along the touchline in a heated exchange. The England international was judged to have kicked the ball away from Veltman before being taken down. This led to Rice receiving a second yellow card, ultimately leaving Arsenal with 10 men. Brighton capitalized, with Joao Pedro scoring the equalizer, despite Arsenal having been in control before the red card.

Kavanagh Claims Rice Gave Him ‘No Choice’

Kavanagh defended his decision, stating, “I don’t like the rule, but Rice has knocked the ball.” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his disbelief at the decision, while pundit Peter Crouch criticized the referee for inconsistency.

As part of the “Match Officials Mic’d Up” programme, audio from the incident was aired, revealing Kavanagh’s reasoning to the Arsenal players. Speaking to Kai Havertz, Kavanagh explained he had “no choice” after Rice kicked the ball away, which prompted protests from several Arsenal players.

Kavanagh later spoke to Rice and captain Martin Odegaard, telling the latter, “He’s put me in an awful position,” before explaining his decision to Rice directly:

“You did kick the ball, you did. Dec, you need to go. I don’t like it… but you knocked the ball. You need to go, I’m afraid.”

The decision was supported by the VAR team at Stockley Park, who confirmed: “Kav, it’s all checked and cleared. It’s exactly as seen.”