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      in Soccer

      Angry fans slam ‘ridiculous’ referee after Andre Onana saves Southampton penalty to turn Man Utd clash on its head

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      FANS have slammed referee Stuart Attwell after Southampton’s Cameron Archer had to wait 51 SECONDS to take his penalty against Manchester United.The match was level at 0-0 when Diogo Dalot chopped Saints kid Tyler Dibling down in the box.Cameron Archer was made to wait before missing his penaltyCredit: GettyAndre Onana saved Archer’s penalty down lowCredit: RexAfter a VAR check, the spot-kick was confirmed and Archer stepped up for the Saints.The striker put the ball on the spot but was made to wait almost a minute before being allowed to take it.And, when he was finally allowed to strike towards goal, Archer’s limp low shot was kept out by a stretching Andre Onana.He managed to get onto the rebound but his header too was caught by the United stopper, to the delight of a thrilled Lisandro Martinez.Most read in FootballIn total, the time between the penalty being awarded and it being taken was over TWO AND A HALF MINUTES.And Southampton fans were fuming with Attwell for making Archer wait, with one saying: “Why was there such a huge delay before he could take it?”It’d been checked, no one was in the box? That was ridiculous, seemed to be the ref deliberately waiting.”A second wrote: “That’s a disgrace. Why did the referee make Archer wait for so long?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third added: “You could see Archer getting more restless as he was made to wait. This is so annoying.”Another chimed in: “You knew he was going to miss. Was too long. Refs need to control those situations better.”How much every Premier League club earns in shirt sponsorsMan Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scoresMARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…Andre Onana – 7Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.Noussair Mazraouri – 7Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.Matthijs De Ligt – 8Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.Lisandro Martinez – 7Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.Diogo Dalot – 5Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.Kobbie Mainoo – 6United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.Christian Eriksen – 7A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.Bruno Fernandes – 7Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.Amad Diallo – 7Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.Joshua Zirkzee – 6Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.Marcus Rashford – 7Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.SUBSGarnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6The Saints had an early spring in their step and after dominating the ball and attacking play before the penalty was awarded.United were camped in their own half for most of the first 30 minutes, with Dalot particularly struggling down his left hand side.But Premier League football is cruel and momentum immediately switched on Onana’s save.New United defender Matthijs de Ligt’s header put Erik ten Hag’s side 1-0 up through a Bruno Fernandes assist just two minutes later.Marcus Rashford then doubled the lead for the visitors.It was the 26-year-old’s first Prem goal since his penalty against Everton at Old Trafford on March 9.Alejandro Garnacho made it three at the death, as Saints failed to even have another SHOT after the penalty.And speaking after full-time Ten Hag admitted the penalty was the “turning point”.He said: “The start was not easy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think the penalty was the turning point in the game and not so far after we scored and that was very important.”From that moment on, the game was all ours.” More

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      in Soccer

      Distraught Arsenal fans cry ‘cancel the season’ after finding out who referee is for Tottenham clash

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      DISTRAUGHT Arsenal fans cried “cancel the season” after discovering who will ref their upcoming derby against Tottenham.Mikel Arteta’s man head into the clash with a number of major absences following their 1-1 draw with Brighton.Arsenal fans aren’t happy after seeing who will referee their game at SpursCredit: GettyDeclan Rice was sent off in that game, meaning he will miss the Spurs encounter through suspension.New boy Mikel Merino is out for two months with a freak shoulder injury.Captain Martin Odegaard has become the latest casualty after turning his ankle while playing for Norway.There’s further concerns at the back too, with Riccardo Calafiori forced off for Italy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Arteta could be forced to cobble together a new-look XI which may feature Raheem Sterling.However, some Arsenal fans reckon it doesn’t matter who takes to the field on Sunday.That’s because referee Jarred Gillett was confirmed as the main official for the occasion.Arsenal have a history with Gillett, who took charge of their controversial 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJohn McGinn scored the only goal in December’s encounter between the two sides.But Arsenal felt they were hard done by, with Gillett refusing to award a penalty for a foul by Douglas Luiz on Gabriel Jesus in Villa’s box.Raheem Sterling showing off skills in Arsenal training sessionJarred Gillett will take charge of the derbyCredit: GettyHe controversially disallowed a late Arsenal equaliser at Aston Villa last seasonCredit: ReutersWith just moments of the game remaining, Kai Havertz then bundled home a timely equaliser at Villa Park.Yet his effort was immediately chalked off by Gillett for handball.Replays showed the ball had ricocheted off both Havertz and Cash in a frenzied bundle.But VAR decided not to intervene and stood by Gillett’s initial call.Arteta was left raging at the final whistle, saying: “Clear and obvious, clear and obvious. “That’s what I mean. That’s my opinion, that’s all I can say.”And Arsenal fans are now bracing themselves to be on the receiving end of more questionable calls.One said: “Cancel the season.”Another declared: “This is a Gabriel red card and a Spurs penalty.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Are you f***ing kidding me?”Another added: “I think we are finished for Sunday.” More

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      in Soccer

      Football analyst bizarrely blames ref Anthony Taylor for ‘hindering Man Utd’s play’ in humiliating loss to Liverpool

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      REFEREE Anthony Taylor has been partly blamed for Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat against Liverpool on Sunday.American analysts pointed to Taylor’s positioning and argued that the PGMOL official blocked United from playing their best football.CBS Sports Golazo pointed to Anthony Taylor’s positioningFirst, when Bruno Fernandes couldn’t make his ideal passAnd pointed to the ref again for Liverpool’s second goal of the first halfCasemiro, 32, was at fault for Liverpool’s two opening goals as he twice gave possession away cheaply inside United’s half that led to Luis Diaz scoring a brace inside 42 minutes.A dismal second-half saw United carved open by Liverpool for Mo Salah’s strike, as fans booed a match that echoed last season’s struggles.But CBS Sports Golazo has since offered a fascinating insight into how and why Liverpool’s first two goals came about.American presenters Ian Joy and Michael Lahoud cheekily pinned some of the blame on referee Taylor’s positioning.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Wythenshawe-born official was seen getting in the way of United’s transitional play on both occasions.Footage has now showed that Bruno Fernandes was potentially limited from making key passes in decisive moments due to the space occupied by Taylor.First, the analysts argued that Taylor blocked Fernandes from unleashing a quick breakaway ball through to Alejandro Garnacho.The Portugal star was forced to pass back to Casemiro, who offloaded a horror pass that was intercepted by Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch, and put in the back of the net by Diaz.Most read in FootballFernandes struggled to exert his usual creative influence on proceedings against LiverpoolFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThen the pundits explain how the 45-year-old’s positioning stopped Casemiro from playing a forward pass to Joshua Zirkzee for the Colombian’s second.Again, the defensive midfielder conceded possession and Liverpool doubled their lead moments later.’Man Utd have wrong bald Dutch manager’ – how Slot schooled Ten Hag at Old TraffordBut the Brazilian ace lost possession 13 times before being substituted for teenager Toby Collyer at the break.United are now talking about offloading Casemiro to Galatasaray on loan, according to journalist Ali Naci Kucuk.The CBS analysis has gone viral, with Premier League fans split on its authenticity.One fan wrote on X: “I didn’t realise this at all! Fantastic analysis. But it doesn’t make the loss any less embarrassing.”One post rejecting the claim, stated: “The ref can have his share blame for this but I don’t think it’s due to him that we lost the game.”Another added: “Let’s not blame referee there! It was individual mistakes and Erik ten Hag’s substitutions that cost us the three points.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA fourth said: “It’s part of football and no one forced Casemiro into making such an awful pass for the first goal.”While a fifth chimed in: “Come on. United were bad across the board.”Man Utd player ratings vs LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED had a horror show against Liverpool as they lost 3-0.Casemiro was so bad he was taken off at half-time.But were there any positive performances at Old Trafford?Andre Onana – 5Nothing he could do about any of Liverpool’s goals and made a few saves to prevent the scoreline from getting worse.Noussair Mazraoui – 5Came close to scoring in the first half and looked solid enough against Diaz although he did push up too high before Liverpool’s opener.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Left Diaz and Domink Szobozslai in acres of space for the opening goal but was left in a tricky spot thanks to Casemiro’s error. Booked for a shocking late tackle on Diaz.Lisandro Martinez – 3Lost Diaz for the second goal which meant the Colombian was able to score unmarked from the penalty spot.Also guilty of giving away the ball too easily and was not tight enough with his marking.Diogo Dalot – 4Was caught out pushing up too quickly for the first goal and did not do enough to stop Mo Salah’s cross in the build-up to Liverpool’s second.Looked dangerous in attack at times but too infrequently as he had plenty of defensive work to do since Rashford did not track Trent Alexander-Arnold.Casemiro – 2A horror show in the first half as he gave the ball away in the lead up to both of Liverpool’s goals.He was caught on the ball for the second after a shocking misplaced pass left his defence vulnerable for the opening goal. Hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Fell victim to the Casemiro curse as he was shrugged off the ball in a terrible position, allowing Liverpool to add a third with ease.Bruno Fernandes – 5Was United’s most creative spark but that is not saying much. Tried to get his side going in the first half but looked short of ideas and inspiration after the break.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Still appears to be a little rusty and is yet to hit the heights he reached last season.Marcus Rashford – 3Nothing came off for the out-of-sorts forward who must be running out of chances before he is dropped.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Quiet up-front and had little influence on the wing as well, but missed a clear-cut chance with his head and should have turned in Rashford’s cross which he met at the far post.SubsToby Collyer (for Casemiro, HT) – 5A difficult game for the youngster to make his Premier League debut but he put himself about and won a few tackles.Harry Maguire (for De Ligt, 69mins) – 5Shored things up at the back as Liverpool took their foot off the pedal.Amad (for Garnacho, 69mins) – 5Provided a spark on the right and looked more lively than Garnacho.Christian Eriksen (for Zirkzee, 86mins) – N/ANot on long enough to make an impact. More

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      in Boxing

      Agonising moment referee jumps in one second too late as boxer collapses to canvas after brutal KO

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      BOXER Qamil Balla fell to a brutal knockout loss after the referee jumped in just one second too late. Aussie Balla faced Japanese knockout artist Jin Sasaki on Naoya Inoue’s undercard in Tokyo. Jin Sasaki brutally knocked out Qamil BallaThe referee was just a second off stopping the KOSasaki came into the bout with a frightening record of 16 KOs in his 17 wins – and he notched one more against Balla. He stopped his opponent in brutal fashion after a barrage of punches forced Balla into the corner. Eventually, he collapsed to the ground amid the flurry of combinations with the ref just too late to step in. Fans were quick to hail ruthless Sasaki, as one said: “Violent finish.”READ MORE IN BOXINGAnother added: Jin Sasaki with an incredible finishing sequence. “Amazing body work throughout the match and a thunderous leaping hook.One praised: “A lot of heavy strikes, a lot of violence.”Another said: “This man a beast.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSasaki won a trinket WBO title after his savage stoppage and now has future world championships in his sights. He said: “I want a title match.” Sickening moment fighter snaps ankle mid-fight before slipping it back into place as if nothing happened More

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      in Soccer

      Fans ask ‘why was Mbappe shocked to see the referee?’ as hilarious video emerges during Real Madrid clash

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      FANS can’t stop laughing at a hilarious video of Kylian Mbappe being scared by a referee.The Real Madrid star appeared to jump out of his skin when referee Alberola Rojas popped up by his side unexpectedly during Real Madrid’s win over Real Betis at the weekend.Kylian Mbappe was in the zone during Real Madrid vs Real BetisCredit: x
      The Frenchman looked over and spotted the referee next to himCredit: xMbappe jumped out of his skin, leaving fans in hystericsCredit: xMbappe was in the zone as he concentrated on the game at the Santiago Bernabeu. But the Frenchman was perhaps a little too dialled in as he was completely unaware of his surroundings.That meant when referee Rojas slowly walked to his side, Mbappe was terrified by the sudden appearance of the official – making for a hilarious clip.Fans loved the funny moment and took to social media to react.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote: “This might be my favourite Mbappe clip”.While another added: “He looks like a school kid who just saw the teacher.”A third asked: “Why was Mbappe shocked to see the ref?!”.And a fourth joked: “Dude is scared of a red card!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMbappe had no reason to be afraid of Rojas in the end as he and his officiating team helped him bag a brace by awarding Real Madrid a second half penalty.Mbappe buried his spot kick after already netting earlier in the game to give his side the lead.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawThe superstar’s double got him up and running in the Spanish capital with his first league goals for Madrid since he made the switch from PSG this summer.Mbappe had drawn blanks in all of his first three league clashes, but will be hoping he can kick on and produce the numbers that fans are used to him racking up from now on.Mbappe scored twice to start his league tally for Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      New footage of ‘wrong’ Declan Rice red card shows moment Brighton star ‘should have been booked’ just seconds before

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      ARSENAL fans continue to protest Declan Rice’s controversial red card against Brighton after new footage emerged.Rice, 25, was shown a second yellow in the 49th minute for delaying a restart on Saturday at the Emirates.Brighton’s Danny Welbeck appeared to demand a second yellow for Arsenal’s Declan RiceCredit: Premier LeagueArsenal fans claim Welbeck should have also been booked before Rice’s red cardCredit: ReutersAnd now a new camera angle shows Brighton star Danny Welbeck complaining that his opponent should be shown another card – and performing a gesture to the referee to make his point.Former Arsenal ace Welbeck is heard saying: “It’s a second yellow.”Rules state that a player should be cautioned if they tell the ref to book a rival player, however it is not certain that the ex-England international was addressing referee Chris Kavanagh directly.Arsenal fans took to social media and complained that Welbeck should have also been booked for that.Read More on ArsenalOne supporter tweeted: “Right in front of him [Kavanagh] as well.”Another posted: “Danny Welbeck demanded the referee give Rice a second yellow, which is a booking in itself if we’re following ‘the law of the game’.”A third wrote: “HMMMMMMMM.”This one said: “But isn’t that an offence in itself?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd that one stated: “Isn’t asking referee for a yellow card a yellow card offense?”Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey described Rice’s dismissal as wrong and said it was a “poor decision” by Kavanagh. Fans spot Declan Rice ‘throwing a strop’ in background while Mikel Arteta gives end-of-season Arsenal speechHalsey wrote on his SunSport column: “However, the ball was rolling when Brighton’s Joel Veltman took the free-kick, so the restart would not have taken place as it would have been wrong in Law.”Therefore, the delaying a restart does not apply. Kavanagh went looking for trouble and he found it.”A referee of his calibre at this level should not be sending players off for this. He should have managed the situation better by speaking to both players.”Rice should have received a final warning for flicking the ball away and Veltman was also lucky to escape punishment for kicking the England star.” More

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      in Soccer

      Declan Rice’s red card against Brighton was a poor decision – referee Chris Kavanagh went looking for trouble

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      DECLAN RICE’S dismissal against Brighton was a poor decision by referee Chris Kavanagh.The Arsenal midfielder was shown a second yellow in the 49th minute for delaying a restart.Arsenal’s Declan Rice received a second yellow card after kicking the ball awayCredit: GettyFormer Premier League referee Mark Halsey disagreed with Kavanagh’s decisionCredit: PAHowever, the ball was rolling when Brighton’s Joel Veltman took the free-kick, so the restart would not have taken place as it would have been wrong in Law.Therefore, the delaying a restart does not apply.Kavanagh went looking for trouble and he found it.A referee of his calibre at this level should not be sending players off for this.READ MORE ON ARSENALHe should have managed the situation better by speaking to both players.Rice should have received a final warning for flicking the ball away and Veltman was also lucky to escape punishment for kicking the England star.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had a valid point when he highlighted Kavanagh’s inconsistency.Kavanagh acted on Rice but why didn’t he punish Joao Pedro for booting the ball downfield?Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSArsenal ratings vs BrightonARSENAL drew 1-1 with Brighton in a game that turned when Declan Rice was sent off for a daft second booking.Here, we take a look at how the players rated…David Raya – 6/10Initially had very little to do but was solid on the few occasions he was called upon. Denied Yankuba Minteh in the first half with a routine save.Stopped his side from going 2-1 down in the 75th minute, brilliantly saving Yasin Ayari’s shot at a largely open goal.Ben White – 6Spent large portions of the match in the Brighton half supporting Saka.Was solid defensively against the tricky Karou Mitoma.William Saliba – 6Continues to show an incredible ability to read the game and positional awareness. Thwarted the few Brighton attacks which managed to make their way into the box before Rice’s red.Gabriel – 5Marshalled the defence well with Saliba but seldom found himself in a one-on-one situation before Rice’s red. Was too far apart from the Frenchman in the build-up to Brighton’s equaliser.Jurrien Timber – 6Switched off and allowed Minteh to ghost in behind him for a header early in the first half but was solid after that lapse in concentration.Martin Odegaard – 7Was at the centre of everything good the Gunners did, pulling the strings from the first minute of the match.Should’ve put his side ahead in the 17th minute when he ghosted onto a cross into the box.Thomas Partey – 6Anchored the midfield well and showed new signing Mikel Merino that he won’t give up his place in the starting XI without a fight.Declan Rice – 4Tenacious on the left side of the midfield and was a threat going forward in the first half.Stupidly put his team under pressure just after the restart by getting himself sent off for kicking the ball away.Bukayo Saka – 7Was lively from the outset, tormenting Seagulls left-back Jack Hinshelwood every time he ran at him.Should have scored in the eighth minute when Odeegard beautifully teed him up for a close-range effort.Made up for his poor finish with a stellar assist for Havertz after bullying Lewis Dunk off the ball. Should’ve got a better connection on Havertz’s 77th-minute cross to restore the North Londoners’ lead.Kai Havertz – 8Was anonymous for large portions of the match but constantly made his brilliant runs in behind which created space for his team-mates.Produced a deft finish over the advancing Bart Verbruggen in the 37th minute to break the deadlock.But he missed a sitter in the 75th minute that would’ve restored his side’s advantage.Leandro Trossard – 6Struggled to get into the match against his former club and cut a frustrated figure on the left wing.But he produced a good save from Verbruggen just before the half-time interval.SubsRiccardo Calafiori – 6The Italian was thrown on to shore up the defence after Rice’s red card and did just that, as well as offering an outlet on the left wing.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Tried his best but failed to inject his usual energy into the game.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5The Ukranian was brought on to further bolster the struggling defence but almost cost his side the game in stoppage time by allowing Carlos Baleba a free header in the box.Or even Bukayo Saka, who committed a worse offence than Rice by throwing the ball away in injury time after Brighton won a free-kick.It’s the inconsistency from our officials that really annoys managers, players and fans.How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch out More

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      in Soccer

      Declan Rice left speechless as Arsenal star controversially sent off with Piers Morgan slamming ‘worst red card ever’

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      DECLAN RICE was left gobsmacked after being controversially sent off in Arsenal’s clash with Brighton.The England international was booked in the first half for a wild lunge.Declan Rice was sent off for kicking the ball away in the second half of Arsenal’s clash with BrightonCredit: TNT SPORTSThe England midfielder poked the ball away before Joel Veltman booted him on the shinCredit: TNT SPORTSRice went down in agony and expected to Veltman be awarded a yellowCredit: TNT SPORTSHe was left stunned when referee Chris Kavanagh showed him a second yellowCredit: REXAnd an act of petulance just minutes after the restart saw referee Chris Kavanagh send him for an early bath.Rice was shown a second yellow for kicking the ball away after Brighton were awarded a free kick in their half in the 49th minute.He poked the ball with his foot a split second before Joel Veltman went to kick it up the park, with the Brighton player instead making contact with the Arsenal man.Rice went down in agony and expected the Dutch defender to be given a yellow when he rose to his feet.But Kavanagh stunned the Emirates faithful – and Rice – by opting to show the midfielder a second booking.The former West Ham skipper couldn’t believe it and was left speechless.And he wasn’t the only one baffled by Kavanagh’s decision.One Gunners fan wrote on X: “Joao Pedro kicks the ball away the first half and no yellow.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal have a tricky start to the season”Rice gets sent off for the same offense after being on the receiving end of violent conduct.”Another said: “I saw Joao Pedro kick the ball away in the first half with everyone shouting for it and the ref ignoring. How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch out”Declan Rice has just been sent off for tapping it in the 2nd half.”And another said: “How does Declan Rice get a red card for getting kicked????”One remarked: “A Brighton player booted the ball 30 yards after giving away a throw-in. “Nothing. Declan Rice taps the ball one yard and gets booted in the process. Second yellow card.”Gunners superfan and Sun columnist Piers Morgan was also left flabbergasted by the decisionHe wrote: “What the f*ck was that? “Declan Rice sent off for being kicked to pieces? Worst red card decision I’ve ever seen.”Things went from bad to worse for the Gunners nine minutes later when Pedro levelled the scores with a tap-in inside the 18-yard box.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe second half proved to be a pulsating one, although neither side was able to find a winner and the score remained 1-1.Rice’s act of stupidity will see him miss the North London derby against Tottenham a fortnight on Sunday. More