EXCLUSIVE: Ex-PGMOL chief condemns Declan Rice’s red card as an insider discusses the Arsenal incident

Declan Rice, an Arsenal player, has been informed that his dismissal against Brighton was regrettable.

Keith Hackett, the former chief of PGMOL, has expressed his dissatisfaction with Chris Kavanagh’s decision to dismiss Arsenal’s Declan Rice during the match against Brighton. The England international’s dismissal was not conducted in accordance with the intent of the law, according to the former Premier League official.

Brighton’s Joel Veltman lined up a quick free-kick, and Rice was adjudged to have delayed a restart by nudging the ball away. The 25-year-old was issued a second yellow card by Kavanagh after being previously booked in the first half for a lunging challenge on the same player.

Nevertheless, Hackett expressed his dissatisfaction with Kavanagh’s decision and believes that Rice was not afforded sufficient time to withdraw from the ball. The 80-year-old also noted that Veltman would not have been permitted to attempt the free kick because the ball was still in motion.

This page was presented to the 18 professional referees at the time in 2007, when I was the head of the PGMOL. “I specified my expectations,” Hackett stated on LinkedIn.

The seasoned official then enumerated his expectations, which included “proactive low-key management” of matches, improved communication, accountability, and improved fitness.

He continued, “I was disheartened to witness Declan Rice’s departure this weekend.” I listened to commentators assert that the referee adhered to the law.

“Did he apply the law in a manner that was consistent with the spirit of the game?” Was the referee able to enforce the rule and enable the player to be within the appropriate 10 yards of the ball at the time of the restart? Was the ball in a state of static equilibrium at the moment Rice made contact?

“Was there any visual or verbal indication of disapproval in his actions?” Did his actions truly cause the restart to be delayed? Was the referee proactive in preventing the incident? Why was no action taken against Rice’s opponent, who evidently kicked out and used the absent ball as an excuse?

“Why was no action taken when a player kicked the ball away from the scene of a required restart earlier in the game?” Rice is unable to appeal two yellow cards, and as a result, the matter is resolved.

“It is crucial to provide the Referee and his colleagues with the requisite operational guidance.” For the sake of the game, it is imperative that all participants comprehend the SPIRIT OF THE GAME and prevent a recurrence of a comparable incident.

Rice disclosed that he had issued an apology to his teammates subsequent to the match and will consequently abstain from the North London derby on 15 September. It was the initial red card of his professional career.