Arsenal news: Bukayo Saka told to ‘stop moaning’ after new controversy – Ex-Fifa official
Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka needs to “stop moaning” about the treatment he receives from opposition players, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee delivered his verdict after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday (19 March).
Saka, 20, was on the receiving end of a nasty Tyrone Mings challenge in the first half and his Arsenal teammates thought it should have been a red card.
He told BT Sport after the game that he told the referee Andy Madley he was being purposely kicked and needed “more protection”.
As quoted by Sky Sports yesterday (20 March), Villa boss Steven Gerrard insisted Saka “cannot complain about that side [of football]”.
“I think he needs to stop moaning and get on with the game,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Ok, he’s alerted the referee and the referee was controlling the match. I think Andy Madley has had a pretty good season and he judged the Tyrone Mings one pretty much spot on.
“Look, welcome to the real world of football. The referee will judge whether it’s a foul and a free-kick will be awarded. At the end of the day, that’s football.
“He’s had a quiet word with the referee, will that influence the referee? Hardly. You are wasting your breath, just get on with the game.”
According to WhoScored, Saka is fouled 1.5 times every 90 minutes in the Premier League this season.
The England international has nine goals and five assists in 28 top-flight appearances this term.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has revealed Arsenal have been caught up in a ‘very concerning’ sponsor controversy.