Joel Veltman says media pundits have got it wrong over his involvement in an incident which saw Declan Rice sent off.

But he agrees a second card for the Arsenal man felt "harsh” in their tussle at the Emirates.

Rice was dismissed after touching the ball away from Veltman as the Albion defender looked to play a free-kick to Danny Welbeck in the teams’ recent 1-1 draw.

He has been targeted on social media and his wife Naomi responded with a post saying TV pundits should be accountable for comments which could put players and their families in danger.

Veltman says he does not want to say a great deal about a moment which has filled broadcasting time and column inches during the current international break.

But 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.”

Asked whether social media reaction had affected him, he said: “Brighton are doing well, taking care of that.”

Veltman spoke as he supported an event at the Amex to mark the teaming up of Air Ambulance Charity Kent Sussex Surrey and the football club to teach thousands of people across the South East how to do life-saving CPR.