‘He saw’: Int’l manager reacts to claim Arsenal star refused captain’s armband in controversial match

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was public enemy number one in Dublin on Saturday.

Lee Carsley’s England faced the Republic of Ireland in a UEFA Nations League encounter, but it was more than just about the two nations going head to head.

Before Rice was an Arsenal player, and even when he was yet to be established at West Ham, he represented the Republic of Ireland on three occasions in friendly games.

But then, he controversially decided to represent the country of his birth and play for England instead, which didn’t go down well in Ireland.

That’s why the Arsenal man, along with Jack Grealish who played for Ireland’s younger levels, were in for a hostile reception.

But sometimes, football scripts are written in a crazy way because Rice and Grealish scored as England beat Ireland.

Arsenal‘s club-record transfer didn’t celebrate and he was muted on social media too, although, Grealish, in typical fashion, celebrated.

But, as the game was coming to a close, England captain Harry Kane was being subbed off, so he went to pass on the captain’s armband to Rice.

The pictures showed him refusing it, with Manchester City’s John Stones, who was coming onto the pitch, taking it instead.

Carsley was asked after the game if Rice ‘refused’ the captain’s armband, but he made it clear that wasn’t the case because Stones is the vice-captain, as he told talkSPORT.

Declan Rice scores for England against the Republic of Ireland

On Rice turning down the armband when Kane went off for England: “I think John (Stones) was vice-captain,” responded Carsley.

“So, I just think, out of respect, John coming on and taking over the armband. I wouldn’t say he refused it. I think he just saw that John is next in line, so that was the case.

“I don’t think it would be fair for me to do that (change the leadership roles in the team). That’s for a permanent head coach to do. For me, to come in and my first camp, and change the leadership team around. I am not sure that’s not my role.”

Declan Rice for Arsenal after the international break

Rice was sent off for Arsenal against Brighton in a game that divided opinion, with Mikel Arteta’s side proceeding to drop early points in the Premier League.

It now means that Rice will miss Arsenal’s clash against Tottenham, with the Gunners taking four points off their rivals last season.

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Yes, that’s a huge game to miss, but Arsenal’s proceeding Premier League match is against Manchester City at the Etihad.

And, in truth, you would rather he miss the Spurs game than against a team that is battling them for the Premier League title.