William Saliba and John Terry react to controversial red card decision in Arsenal’s draw with Brighton

If the decision to award Declan Rice a red card wasn’t frustrating enough on Saturday, Arsenal now have to stew over the decision during the coming international break.

Arsenal will be without Rice against Tottenham in the first north London derby of the season, another blow in addition to the dropped points against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Mikel Arteta’s side were excellent in the first half, taking the lead against an impressive Fabian Hurzeler team, and the Gunners were briefly in control in the second, on course for another clean sheet.

However, Arsenal’s plans were scuppered when Rice, who is one of Arteta’s most dependable performers, was controversially sent off.

Either way, Arsenal will now have to react proactively, knowing they can’t afford too many dropped points in pursuit of Erling Haaland’s Manchester City.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice says he didn’t deserve his red card

Rice took to Instagram after Saturday’s disappointment to share a message to Arsenal fans and reflect on the incident.

The Arsenal player lamented the decision, but ultimately said it was one that he will learn from.

Declan Rice of Arsenal interacts with match referee Chris Kavanagh after being shown a second yellow card during the Premier League match between A...

Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Rice shared: “Disappointed. Didn’t feel it deserved a second yellow card but will learn and be better for it.

“Proud of the boys regardless & thank you for the amazing support Gunners.”

In the comments on the post, both William Saliba and John Terry sent messages to the Arsenal midfielder.

And whilst Saliba simply sent a few sympathetic emojis, former Chelsea defender Terry didn’t hide his feelings.

Terry wrote: “Worst decision EVER.”

William Saliba and John Terry send messages to Declan Rice after controversial Arsenal red card.

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Mikel Arteta has big Kai Havertz decision for north London derby

Of course, without Rice against Tottenham, Arteta will have a difficult decision when choosing his number eight.

Mikel Merino will miss the game through injury, who would have been an obvious alternative to Rice.

And whilst it may be tempting to deploy Ethan Nwaneri, it’s a big occasion to suddenly drop the 17-year-old into.

Therefore, despite him excelling up top of late, Arteta could choose to place Kai Havertz into midfield once again.

And if Gabriel Jesus isn’t fit to play as the number nine, perhaps Leandro Trossard will dovetail with Havertz instead.