Why Bukayo Saka's rough treatment is sparking controversy in Premier League

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FOOTBALL Why Bukayo Saka's rough treatment is sparking controversy in Premier League

Festus Chuma 21:40 - 04.01.2024

Arsenal express concern over Bukayo Saka's treatment in Premier League.

Arsenal have raised serious concerns with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) over what they perceive as the excessively rough treatment of their star winger, Bukayo Saka.

This issue has garnered significant attention in the Premier League, prompting an in-depth analysis of the situation and the implications for the young England international.

Bukayo Saka, at just 22 years of age, has become a pivotal figure in Arsenal's attacking force.

However, his prominence on the field has come with a concerning downside: Saka was the third-most fouled player in the Premier League in 2023 and continues to hold the same rank in the ongoing season.

These statistics paint a worrying picture for Arsenal and their fans, raising questions about the physical challenges Saka faces in matches.

According to exclusive details obtained by Mail Sport, Arsenal's complaint to PGMOL highlights a pattern of Saka receiving harsh treatment from opponents.

The club's contention is that these challenges often go unpunished by match officials, at least initially.

As reported by the Mail, "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."

In 2023, Saka endured 87 fouls, a figure surpassed only by Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes. The frequency of these fouls is not just a concern for Arsenal but also raises broader questions about player protection and fair play in the league.

James Maddison, who recently moved from Leicester City to Tottenham, followed Saka on the list, having been fouled 80 times.

Aston Villa's captain John McGinn and Manchester City's Jack Grealish are also notable names, both winning 78 fouls each for their clubs.

Additionally, players like Villa's Ezri Konsa, Palace's Michael Olise, and the West Ham duo of Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen, have all experienced a high number of fouls, further highlighting the physical nature of the league.

The trend persists into the ongoing season, with Crystal Palace's Ayew leading the table for the most fouls won, followed by Newcastle’s Bruno and Arsenal's Saka. Saka's consistent presence in the top three positions of this table indicates a persistent issue that Arsenal feels needs to be addressed by the authorities.

This situation not only affects Arsenal's gameplay but also raises concerns about the potential long-term physical impact on Saka.

As a young player with a promising future, the physical toll of these repeated fouls could have significant implications for his career longevity and overall well-being.

Arsenal's move to lodge a formal complaint with PGMOL is not just about seeking protection for their player but also about advocating for fair play and the enforcement of rules that protect players from undue physical harm. 

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