Brighton defender Veltman rejects claims of getting Rice sent off

The Albion secured a creditable 1-1 draw against Arsenal, but the game is remembered for Declan Rice getting as second yellow card for kicking the ball away before an Albion free-kick.

Veltman admits that he was unhappy at being accused of trying to get Rice sent off in the incident.

He told The Argus: “I am accused of trying to get him injured, of playing the ref.

“Loads of big people were saying lies on television, as well, and that’s what I personally hate. I know I didn’t want to kick him.

“After the game, I said I wanted to find Danny in space but I meant in the pocket. They thought I wanted to give a pass about 80 yards but that was not the case, I was trying to explain where Danny was - you can see it all in front of the camera.

“Of course, I am aware of everything, like Rice, the quick free-kick I wanted to take. And then he kicked it away and I was surprised I kicked him. I was like, ‘What are you doing?’.

“I was not going to the ref asking for a second yellow card. Not at all. If you ask me was it harsh to give him a second yellow, in my opinion, yes, I understand the complaints Arsenal had but the things they are throwing at my head are ridiculous.

“People are saying literally lies about what I was doing, what I was thinking at the moment. It was so not true, on social media, commenting, and bad stuff.

“The Arsenal fanbase is quite big, I believe that now!

“There was just too much.”