BREAKING NEWS: There was something Saka said to me while ball was going on Today that I wanted to end His career,that boy needs to be Caution,Luck was on His side today if not that wasn’t how I meant to tackle Him”, Ipwish defender Leif Davis finally reveals what Saka said to Him today that led to that career ending tackle
BREAKING NEWS: There was something Saka said to me while ball was going on Today that I wanted to end His career,that boy needs to be Caution,Luck was on His side today if not that wasn’t how I meant to tackle Him”, Ipwish defender Leif Davis finally reveals what Saka said to Him today that led to that career ending tackle
Ipswich Town’s struggles against Arsenal went from bad to worse as Leif Davis was sent off.
The first half of the contest was incredibly testing for the hosts, who saw only 5% of possession in the opening eight minutes.
To rub salt in the wounds, Arsenal scored after 14 minutes and then again 14 minutes later, as Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli found the net.
Things went from bad to worse for the Tractor Boys, as Davis was shown a straight red card by referee Chris Kavanagh.
Premier League release statement on Leif Davis red card vs Arsenal
Kavanagh has been involved in red-card controversy with Arsenal this season, but this time, the referee was on the Gunners’ side.
In the 32nd minute of play, Davis was sent off for a horror tackle on Bukayo Saka, clattering into the Englishman from behind to see his ankle fold beneath him.
Arsenal fans held their breaths as Saka looked to be in real discomfort, while Davis walked and VAR checked Kavanagh’s on-field decision.
Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take VAR long to clear the red card call, with the Premier League Match Centre confirming why Davis had to walk.
“The referee’s call of red card to Davis for serious foul play was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge deemed to be endangering the safety of an opponent.”
Davis’ challenge on Saka was deemed a risk of ‘endangering’ the winger’s safety, with a sigh of relief let out as the Hale End graduate returned to action after a period of nursing his ankle.
Ex-Arsenal defender unhappy with Davis’ challenge
On his way off the pitch, Davis appeared to apologise to Saka, which says all that needs to be known about the recklessness of the challenge.
Overseeing the game on BBC Radio 5 Live was former Arsenal defender Matt Upson, who shared his verdict on the tackle.
“I can totally understand the red card when you break down that tackle. It’s so intentional,” Upson said.
“That’s actually very poor from Leif Davis. You hurt a player, and you have made no attempt to go anywhere near the ball.”
It was a clear red card and an easy decision for Kavanagh, and most importantly, Saka was not hurt badly in the process.
