Premier League accused of belated ‘attempt to justify Declan Rice red card’ as astonishing new record is set

FANS have accused the Premier League of issuing several yellow cards this weekend to justify Declan Rice’s red card last month.

A record 65 yellow cards were handed out – setting a new Premier League matchday record.

On August 31 Rice had been booked for a first-half foul and picked up a second yellow card in a decision that changed the game with Joao Pedro equalising for Brighton.

Boss Mikel Arteta said he was “amazed” by the decision from ref Kavanagh – and criticised the inconsistency shown by the officials.

And to justify the controversial decision Premier League referees went in full force this weekend in handing out yellow cards.

A record-breaking 14 yellow cards were handed out in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory to Bournemouth.

While a further eight were awarded in the North London derby on Sunday.

Fans are now claiming the league had something to “prove” this weekend after Rice’s sending-off led to a suspension that saw him miss the crucial clash against rivals Spurs.

One supporter said: “65 yellow cards (a league record) for a Premier League matchday coming immediately after the noise around Declan Rice’s two yellows surely not coincidental. Feels very much like a ‘lets prove we actually book players a lot’ directive that is quietly scrapped within weeks.”

While another added: “They have to justify the Declan Rice by just dishing out yellow cards to anyone this weekend.”

A third then said the flood of yellows was “All because of the RICE red card.”

But despite the several cards that were thrown around this weekend the Gunners only received three.

After William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and skipper Jorginho were all shown yellows.

And it was Chelsea who received the most cards after nine of their stars were flagged by the ref.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk