By 9jaeye 
The Premier League’s Match Incidents panel has upheld referee Chris Kavanagh’s decision to send off Arsenal’s Declan Rice in their match against Brighton, stating the official had “no alternative” but to issue the red card.
As a result of the incident, Rice will be unavailable for Arsenal’s crucial game against Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday.
The England international was already on a yellow card going into the second half when he was handed a second caution. The booking followed his attempt to stop Joel Veltman from taking a quick free kick.
Although Rice’s contact with the ball was minimal, Kavanagh ruled that it was enough to interfere with play and intentionally disrupt his opponent.
The panel unanimously supported the decision, explaining: “Rice knew exactly what he was doing – the touch may have been slight, but once it was spotted, the referee had no other option.”