Arteta Fumes Over Inconsistent Refereeing as Arsenal Draws with Brighton

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta criticized inconsistent refereeing after Declan Rice received a red card, leading to Arsenal drawing 1-1 with Brighton. The sending-off shifted the game dynamics, with Brighton equalizing after the incident. Arteta and player Bukayo Saka called for uniform application of the rules.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed anger over what he termed as inconsistent refereeing following Declan Rice's red card, which resulted in Arsenal dropping its first points of the Premier League season in a 1-1 draw against Brighton on Saturday.

The match saw Arsenal leading 1-0 when Rice was issued a second yellow card in the 49th minute. The decision was made after he nudged the ball during a Brighton free-kick, leading to his ejection. Brighton capitalized on the numerical advantage, equalizing through Joao Pedro in the 58th minute.

Arteta and winger Bukayo Saka criticized referee Chris Kavanagh for not punishing similar infractions by Brighton players earlier in the match. The draw leaves defending champion Manchester City with an opportunity to top the standings, provided they beat West Ham in their upcoming game.

(With inputs from agencies.)