- Pat Rice spent 41 years at Arsenal throughout his playing and coaching career.
- Rice was Arsene Wenger's number 2 during Emmanuel Petit's three years at the club
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Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit was forced to apologize when he wrongly claimed Gunners legend Pat Rice was dead, live on television.
Petit, 54, made 118 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2000, and the Frenchman helped Arsene Wenger's side complete a historic double in the 1997-98 season.
The former midfielder later represented Chelsea and Barcelona, and also won the World Cup with France in 1998.
Petit was invited into the Sky Sports Monday Night Football studio for Chelsea's clash against Wolves, but the 54-year-old was guilty of making an embarrassing mistake.
While reliving his best moments with the Gunners and talking about Rice, Petit said: “He also had a few fights with Pat Rice, rest in peace Pat.”
However, host David Jones quickly interrupted Petit and revealed that Rice was not actually dead.
Emmanuel Petit forced to apologize when he wrongly claimed Pat Rice was dead
Former French midfielder Petit (left) made 118 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2000.
Rice, who is an Arsenal legend, was the Gunners' assistant boss during Petit's time at the club.
“I have good news, Pat Rice sends her best wishes,” Jones said. In fact, he is no longer with us. He is alive and well.
Jamie Carragher laughed after the incident, before Petit was forced to apologize as the trio saw the funny side of the Frenchman's bizarre mistake.
'I'm sorry! Sorry Pat. “I'm confused,” added the Frenchman. 'I'm very sorry, Pat. Pat, I made a mistake, I'm sorry.
Rice, 75, played almost 400 times for Arsenal between 1967 and 1980, winning a First Division title and two FA Cups, before moving on to represent Watford.
The right-back, who also earned 49 caps for Northern Ireland, retired in 1984 and joined the Gunners as youth team coach.
He spent 12 years in that role and, after a brief spell as caretaker boss in 1996, Rice was Arsene Wenger's number two for 16 years.
The Gunners won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups during that period, and Steve Bould replaced Rice in 2012 when he decided to step down.
That capped 41 years at the club in a variety of roles and following the news, Wenger paid tribute to Rice.
Presenter Dave Jones reminded Petit that Rice was still alive when Jamie Carragher burst out laughing.
Rice (left) is an Arsenal legend and worked as Arsene Wenger's number 2 between 1996 and 2012.
“Pat is a true Arsenal legend and has dedicated almost his entire life to Arsenal Football Club, which shows enormous loyalty and devotion to this club,” Wenger said.
“I will always be indebted to him for his expert knowledge of Arsenal and football in general.
“On the training pitches and on match days, Pat has always been a passionate, loyal and insightful colleague, who will be missed by all.”
Rice was admitted to hospital for cancer treatment in 2013, but following his recovery, he worked as a scout for the Gunners until August 2020, while also receiving an MBE for his services to the sport in 2013.
