Arsenal complain about Bukayo Saka treatment in heated meeting

Arsenal have launched a complaint to the Premier League’s refereeing body about what they believe to be the rough treatment of starman Bukayo Saka by opposition players.

In 2023, Saka was the Premier League’s third most fouled footballer in the division(87) - leaving him narrowly behind Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes (92) and Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew (112). This recurring theme of fouls against Saka has prompted Arsenal to highlight that, in their opinion, opponents are free to clatter the winger without an initial punishment in Premier League matches.

The Mail Sport reports explains that the topic was brought up during a discussion with the league’s refereeing body during a regular meeting which happens between all top-flight clubs and the body. Arsenal are believed to have said that a referee should issue a yellow card to an offender after the first strong foul on the 22-year-old, rather than wait for a second infringement.

Saka is seen as one of the club’s most influential players and although his tally of six goals and 6 assists is slightly lower than last season’s figure at this stage, it is likely he will play a key role in influencing whether his team will win the title this season. Arsenal’s complaint likely comes as a result of the 22-year-old’s recent Achilles problem which has been an ongoing issue since the end of last season. Saka was forced off against RC Lens on 3 October and missed several weeks with injury.

Saka’s next game for Arsenal is a home match in the FA Cup against league-leaders Liverpool. The Gunners will then resume Premier League action with a home clash against London rivals Crystal Palace on 20 January. Arsenal will hope to bounce back from disappointing losses against Fulham and West Ham at the end of December.