Referee Chris Kavanagh seemingly did not want to show Declan Rice a red card during Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Brighton last month but claimed that he had no choice.
Rice was sent off for the first time in his professional career after picking up two yellow cards during the Premier League stalemate at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners midfielder was issued with a yellow card in the first half for a late challenge on Joel Veltman.
Defender Veltman was also involved in the incident that resulted in Rice receiving his second booking shortly after half-time.