Ex-Premier League Referee Gives Verdict on Rice and Rogers Clash in Arsenal’s Win Over Chelsea
Declan Rice and Morgan Rogers were involved in a heated exchange during Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday.
Both clubs had made perfect starts to the Premier League season, winning their opening two matches. However, Arsenal maintained their 100% record after recovering from an early setback to claim all three points.
Chelsea took the lead within just two minutes, with Morgan Rogers producing a low strike from outside the box that found the bottom corner.
Arsenal responded strongly, with Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard scoring either side of half-time to complete the comeback.
Former Referee Says Rice Should Also Have Been Booked
Tempers flared during the second half when Rogers was brought down by his England teammate Declan Rice while Chelsea were attacking.
After Cole Palmer sent his effort over the crossbar, Rogers confronted Rice angrily. The Chelsea midfielder was subsequently shown a yellow card, while Rice received no punishment.
Arsenal supporters then mocked Rogers from the stands, chanting: “You should have signed for a big club.”
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has now offered his assessment, arguing that Rice should also have received a yellow card for the initial incident.
Halsey explained that Rice clearly tripped Rogers but the challenge went unnoticed by referee Chris Kavanagh. Because it was a potential caution rather than a red-card offence, VAR was unable to intervene.
He said Rogers was understandably unhappy, but his aggressive reaction ultimately resulted in the booking. Halsey added that an assistant referee might have been able to spot Rice’s foul and alert Kavanagh.
Halsey Also Defends Gabriel Over Martinez Incident
Another controversial moment occurred in the first half when Arsenal defender Gabriel appeared to catch Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the face with his boot.
Gabriel escaped punishment, and Halsey believes the officials made the correct decision by allowing play to continue.
The former referee acknowledged there could be debate over whether the contact amounted to violent conduct, but felt there was insufficient evidence to suggest Gabriel deliberately kicked Martinez.
According to Halsey, several players were competing for the ball and were already on the ground, making the contact appear accidental rather than intentional.
He therefore believes VAR was right not to intervene in the incident.
