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Popular pundit criticises Arsenal's decision to call for more referee protection for Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal's recent complaint to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) about the excessive fouling of star winger Bukayo Saka has ignited a fiery debate in the football world.
Chris Sutton, the outspoken pundit, has publicly criticised the North London club's stance, dismissing it as 'ridiculous' and suggesting Saka should take the attention as a 'compliment'.
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Sutton's Take: Tough Love for Saka
During a recent episode of the podcast 'It's All Kicking Off', host Ian Ladyman questioned the justification behind Arsenal's complaint, per the Daily Mail "If you were Bukayo Saka, would you feel a bit embarrassed about that? And secondly, is it justified? Have you seen anything to suggest that Bukayo Saka is treated any differently than any other attacking player who happens to be quite good with the ball at his feet?" Ladyman asked.
Sutton, known for his forthright opinions, didn't hold back. "No, I think you've answered that yourself," he said. "I think Bukayo Saka will be a bit embarrassed about the situation. It's a compliment, isn't it, that players want to get close to you and kick you? I don't think Arsenal, I don't know what they're thinking of there and where they're going with that. Ridiculous."
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Arsenal's Concern for Saka
Despite Sutton's dismissal, Arsenal's concern is not without merit. In 2023, Saka was the Premier League’s third-most fouled player, suffering 87 fouls. This fact highlights the rough treatment he has endured on the pitch. Arsenal's suggestion, as discussed in their dialogue with the PGMOL, was for referees to be more proactive in issuing yellow cards after strong fouls on Saka.
Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, previously expressed his views on the matter. "He needs to learn when to take certain balls, what to do with that ball, how to use his body, and 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… Wingers and talented players get kicked and fouled and get the demand to win games and that is the chance he has, that is his role in the team,” Arteta said in February last year.
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