Emmanuel Petit wrongly claiming that Pat Rice had died. (Image: Sky Sports.)
Former midfielder Emmanuel Petit had to make an apology after wrongly claiming that Gunners legend Pat Rice had died, while live on .
Speaking on Monday Night Football’s coverage of , Petit was reliving his fondest moments at Highbury and when talking about his former coach Rice said “rest in peace”.
“He had some fights with Pat Rice as well, rest in peace Pat,” Petit said.
However, he was swiftly informed that Rice, 75, was in fact alive and well, which prompted huge relief for Petit but also laughter from that his co-star for the evening had made such an error.
“I’ve got some good news, Pat Rice sends his best,” Sky host David Jones confirmed. “He’s not actually no longer with us. He’s alive and kicking.”
Petit then responded: “I’m sorry! Sorry Pat. I’m confused. I’m so sorry Pat. Pat, I made a mistake, sorry.”
Pat Rice is alive and well. (Image: Getty)
Rice made nearly 400 appearances for between 1967 and 1980, before going on to work as a coach for the club across four decades.
He joined as an academy coach before taking up a caretaker manager position following the departures of Stewart Houston and Bruce Rioch.
Rice then worked as an assistant to when the iconic Frenchman moved to north London, where they won three titles and four together across 16 years.
After a total of 44 years as a player and coach at , Rice stepped down in 2012. Wenger paid homage to Rice as he said: “Pat is a true legend and has committed almost his whole life to Football Club, which shows huge loyalty and devotion to this club.
“I will always be indebted to him for his expert insight into 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.”
The following year he was awarded an MBE for his services to football and after announcing that he had been admitted to hospital for cancer treatment, became a scout for once he made a full recovery.