Arsenal fans are outraged by the referee’s treatment of Bukayo Saka in the Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
England international Saka had a heated battle with Alex Moreno, with the Spanish defender sent off in the closing minutes. The Arsenal player was clearly annoyed by referee Simon Hooper’s decision and his reaction was noticed by the home fans and booed by some of the Villa supporters.
But, as has always been the case this season, Saka still had time to play dangerously close to the end of the game. A Martinez own goal in stoppage time, followed by Gabriel Martinelli’s effort, gave Arsenal a dramatic second-half victory.
Villa had twice taken the lead with goals from Olly Watkins and Philippe Coutinho. However, it was the visitors who equalized in the sixth minute of stoppage time with goals from Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Some Gunners fans believe Saka has been targeted by opposing defenders multiple times this season. Judging by the reaction on social media, the match at Villa Park was no exception.
“Referees and players attack Saka every week and the Premier League allows it,” wrote one fan on Twitter. “My heart aches because Bukayo is simply the nicest person alive.”
“You almost have to commend the collective perseverance and dedication English football has shown to ensure that Bukayozaka’s career is ultimately hampered by injuries,” wrote another. will not be the last time they are targeted and kicked out.
Others cited Wilfried Zaha’s previous comments about how fouls were not punished severely and players were injured as a result. “All I want to do is play football as long as possible.
It may seem like I’m complaining all the time, but at the end of the game only me, my team and the doctor will see my cut. ‘, the Crystal Palace star told talkSPORT in 2020.
“It’s up to the referee to judge the game. Last season I had the longest injury I’ve ever had in both my knees. I don’t want to miss out like that.”
Saka, meanwhile, was sent off after a string of heavy tackles during Arsenal’s game against Nottingham Forest in October. “The referee has a duty to deal with it,” Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said in November.
“The better a player is, the more likely they are to be targeted because they will try to find a way to stop it.
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