Mike Dean believes Chris Kavanagh was right to dismiss Declan Rice in Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Brighton on Saturday.
The Gunners went 1-0 up through Kai Havertz, with the Germany international netting for the second time in three matches.
However, the match changed in the 49th minute with Rice receiving a second yellow card.
The midfielder had already been cautioned when he nudged the ball away just as Brighton star Joel Veltman was about to take a quick free-kick.
Arsenal news: Mike Dean believes referee Chris Kavanagh was right to send off Declan Rice in Brighton draw
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Veltman actually followed through on Rice, who fell to the ground in a heap.
But the former West Ham star was then stunned to be sent off by Kavanagh, with Joao Pedro netting to earn Brighton a point.
Ex-referee Dean, speaking on Sky Sports, believes the decision to send the England international off was the right call - despite Arsenal being left enraged.
"Unfortunately for Declan he's kicked the ball away," he said.
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"He hasn't kicked it far but they were told before the season, kick the ball away until any type of restart and you'll be cautioned.
"He's already on a yellow, he's got no choice but to send him off."
When asked if there was a 'measurement for what constitutes kicking the ball away', he added: "Well, he stopped the restart because Brighton wanted to pump it down the pitch quickly.
"I think the defender is very clever."
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Prior to the clash in north London, Rice hadn't received a single red card.
But he's now set to miss the upcoming derby showdown with Tottenham in a huge blow for Mikel Arteta's side.
Arteta, speaking after the draw, expressed his fury at Rice's red - with the Spaniard saying his team were given no explanation.
"If it [bookings for delaying the restart] happens throughout the game in a consistent way it is fine but it didn't. It is the inconsistency."
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When asked if he was given an explanation, he added: "None, like always.
"We started the game really well. We scored the goal, 1-0.
"We started the second half really good but then there is the decision that changes the game completely."
Arsenal news: Declan Rice's red card has angered Mikel Arteta after Brighton draw
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As for Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, the 31-year-old believes Rice deserved his dismissal.
"First of all he shoots the ball away so it is a clear yellow card, it changes the momentum of the game," he said.
Arsenal are next in action against Tottenham on September 15. Brighton lock horns with Ipswich Town the day before.
