Emmanuel Petit was corrected live on air after mistakenly claiming that Arsenal icon Pat Rice had passed away on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
The Frenchman was the studio guest on Monday night, where he watched his former side Chelsea beat Wolves 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. But away from the Blues, Petit also had the opportunity to reminisce about his time with their London rivals Arsenal.
The former midfielder was signed by Arsene Wenger in 1997 from Monaco, going on to make over 100 appearances and winning the Premier League and FA Cup. But there appears to have been some crossed wires somewhere along the line since leaving North London.
Asked for his memories of his time at Highbury, Petit made reference to Arsenal icon Pat Rice and said: “He had some fights with Pat Rice as well, rest in peace Pat.”
Fortunately, Rice, 75, is still alive – a fact that Sky Spots host David Jones made sure to share as he issued an apology live on air. He said: “I’ve got some good news, Pat Rice sends his best. He’s not actually no longer with us. He’s alive and kicking.”
That correction triggered giggles from fellow studio guest Jamie Carragher and a grovelling yet relieved apology from Petit. He said: “I’m sorry! Sorry Pat. I’m confused. I’m so sorry Pat. Pat, I made a mistake, sorry.”
Rice, a former defender, is a legendary figure with Arsenal. The Northern Irishman grew up in London and even worked at a greengrocer not far away from the Gunners’ former Higbury home.
He eventually made his Arsenal debut in 1967, playing over 500 games for the club over a 13-year long career. Rice won the First Division and FA Cup in 1971, adding another FA Cup a few years later before leaving for Watford.
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His association with Arsenal did not end there though. He rejoined in 1984 as a youth coach, eventually going on to manage the senior side as a caretaker, while he was also named as Arsene Wenger’s assistant, where he would cross paths with Petit.
Rice would eventually depart for a second time in 2012 and was hailed by Wenger for his glittering contribution to the club. Speaking at the time, he said: “Pat is a true Arsenal legend and has committed almost his whole life to Arsenal Football Club, which shows huge loyalty and devotion to this club…
“I will always be indebted to him for his expert insight into Arsenal and football as a whole. On the training pitches and on matchdays, Pat has always been a passionate, loyal and insightful colleague, who we will all miss.”
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