Arsenal Lodge Official Complaint over Saka Fouls

Arsenal have made a complaint to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) group regarding the apparent targeting of Bukayo Saka.

The 22-year-old winger was the third most fouled player during the 2023/24 season – a total of 43 times – but the Gunners’ main gripe is the nature of these challenges and the apparent lack of stern action from referees and the PGMOL.

Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, has argued that Saka is being singled out by defenders for overly excessive challenges, and that a yellow card should be the course of action instead of waiting for a second, and possibly harmful, incident.

However, Arteta has been vocal on the issue for some time. He commented in November 2022 that “better players” often become targets.

On top of this, the star player has been struggling with an Achilles injury which could be exacerbated through rough treatment and see him benched for several games during the new season.

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