11 months ago
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ARSENAL have complained to the PGMOL about rough treatment towards Bukayo Saka from the opposition.
The Gunners feel Premier League players are not being punished enough for kicking the England international – often escaping yellow cards from referees.
ReutersThe matter was brought up with the Prem’s refereeing body during a conversation last year as part of regular dialogue that all top clubs are involved in throughout a campaign.
Arsenal referred back to an accumulation of incidents to make their point heard.
Saka, 22, was the league’s third-most fouled player in 2023 with 87, behind Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew (117) and Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes (92).
The concern has been heightened with Saka carrying an Achilles injury for most of the season, and also hobbled off in a Champions League tie with Lens on October 3.
As a result, Saka’s form has dropped, with one goal in his last six Prem outings.
The complaint will also prick the ears of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, who needs Saka fully fit for the start of this summer’s Euros in Germany.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken on several occasions about Saka not relying on refs to protect him from wild tackles and swipes.
Back in February, the Spaniard said: “He needs to learn when to take certain balls, what to do with that ball, how to use his body, when to jump.
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“There are a lot of things we can train but obviously it is very difficult to understand what the opponent is going to do.”
The most recent example came during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory at home to Brighton on December 17 when James Milner was guilty of taking out Saka more than once.
Arteta reacted wildly on the touchline, earning himself a yellow card – his fourth of the campaign.
This comes after Arteta escaped an FA charge for labelling VAR officials “embarrassing” and “a disgrace” following a controversial 1-0 defeat away at Newcastle on November 4.
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