Brighton defender Veltman denies accusations of influencing Rice's red card

The Albion managed to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Arsenal, but the match was marred by Declan Rice receiving a second yellow card for a reckless act of kicking the ball away before an Albion freekick.

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.

“So 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.”