Exclusive: Real Madrid to be reported to UEFA after Bukayo Saka incident v Arsenal
Keith Hackett has given his reaction to an incident involving Arsenal star Bukayo Saka during his side’s Champions League win over Real Madrid.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider the Spanish giants should be reported after Dani Carjaval entered the technical area at half time despite not playing in the game and confronted the Gunners star.
Mikel Arteta‘s side enjoyed a memorable night in the Bernabeu on Wednesday (16 April), claiming a 2-1 win over Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter final.
That backed up a 3-0 win for Arsenal in the first leg last week, to secure a 5-1 aggregate victory that has seen them progress to semi finals where they will face French champions PSG.
One Gunners player who had a particularly eventful evening during the second leg at the Bernabeu was Saka.
Bukayo Saka clashes with Dani Carvajal
Although Saka has only recently returned from a long injury layoff for Arsenal, the winger has had a major impact in both legs of this tie.
Having been excellent at the Emirates, things initially started badly for the England international, when his attempt at a panenka penalty early in the first half was saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Saka though would make amends with an outstanding finish to open the scoring on the night midway through the second half.
| Bukayo Saka vs Real Madrid | Total (as per Sofascore) |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shots on Target | 3 |
| Shots off Target | 1 |
| Penalties Missed | 1 |
| Accurate Passes | 10/14 |
| Duels Won | 5/10 |
Before that, the Arsenal talisman had been involved in a clash with Real Madrid full-back Carvajal at half time.
Although Carvajal was not playing in the game due to injury, he made his way to the touchline as the players were leaving the field at the break, where he could be seen speaking to Saka.
After the England international walked away, Carvajal attempted to pull him back and could be see grabbing at the back of Saka’s neck before being shoved away.
Others then intervened before the Arsenal star could full react, and Hackett believes Real Madrid should now face action over the incident.
‘Real Madrid to face punishment over half time Arsenal fracas’ – Keith Hackett
After being asked by Football Insider whether there could be any repurcussions from UEFA over the clash between Saka and Carvajal, the former referee said:
“In my time officiating UEFA games security was always high on the agenda. Both clubs had to declare who was occupying the technical area with their names and their roles.
“Given that Carvajal was not playing and therefore not on the team sheet he should not have been on the field of play or near the tunnel area.
“I hope that UEFA will investigate this incident. The behaviour of Carvajal was unacceptable. Real Madrid should be reported for this incident.”
Having claimed victory in that tie, Arsenal will now face French champions PSG in the semi finals, with the first leg due to be held at the Emirates on Tuesday 29 April.
Real Madrid meanwhile could also be in trouble after objects were thrown at Declan Rice as he attempted to take a corner for Arsenal during the first half of the game.