Why Joao Pedro was not given a yellow card but Declan Rice was in Arsenal vs Brighton

Arsenal news as Howard Webb has offered an explanation over why Joao Pedro was not given a yellow card but Declan Rice was for kicking the ball away against Brighton

Howard Webb has explained why Joao Pedro escaped a yellow card for kicking the ball away during Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Brighton last month.

The Brazilian dribbled out of play before appearing to kick the ball away during the first half at the Emirates. Referee Chris Kavanagh didn't book Pedro and the play was resumed with a throw-in to Arsenal on the near touchline. That was much to the dismay of Mikel Arteta, the players and the Gunners faithful.

Speaking on Match Officials Mic'd Up, Webb has issued an explanation as to why Pedro wasn't cautioned. He said: "It's a different type of scenario. It sits in the same kind of book around delaying the restart.

"Of course, he should have been cautioned here. The officials on the field gave him too much benefit of doubt, feeling that the actions weren't really impactful because they felt that the Arsenal players were not ready to take that throw-in.

"They were a bit distant away from the ball and like [Joel] Veltman, who was right there, I think when we look at this it's quite clear that the actions of Joao Pedro do have an impact.

"They do delay Arsenal's ability to restart. And yes, that should have been the yellow card. And we've certainly messaged that back to the officials."

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Later in the game, Declan Rice was handed a second yellow card for kicking the ball away. With Rice having picked up an early caution for a foul on Veltman, the 25-year-old was already treading carefully when he again illegally challenged the Brighton full-back.

Rice then delicately touched the ball out of play as Veltman went to take the free-kick with Kavanagh believing he had intentionally delayed the restart. Arteta was amazed and baffled that Rice was sent off, as fans inside the stadium also couldn't believe the decision.

Now, Webb has delivered his verdict on Rice's second yellow card. He said: "As you hear from Chris Kavanagh, he's clearly seen Declan Rice commit a foul, then kick the ball away for an opponent that was in the process of taking a free-kick.

"We've messaged very clearly and strongly to the players in pre-season around the importance of not getting involved with the ball once the whistle is gone, not delaying the restart in that way.

"Once he's seen Declan Rice deliberately, clearly kick that ball away from the position of that free-kick, then I don't think he's got any choice."

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