Premier League Legend Criticizes Saka’s Immature Behavior, Slamming Arsenal Star
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has come under fire for his behavior during the recent Champions League quarter-final draw against Bayern Munich. The criticism comes from none other than Premier League legend Paulo Di Canio, who accused Saka of “behaving like a baby” for his outburst after being denied a late penalty.
Saka’s frustration stemmed from Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg’s decision to wave away his appeals for a spot-kick. The England ace remonstrated wildly, claiming that Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer had tripped him. He even went as far as pointing to his leg to demonstrate where he believed the foul had occurred.
The incident didn’t end there, as Saka continued his protests even after the final whistle. Arsenal assistant boss Albert Stuivenberg had to intervene and push the disgruntled winger away. Saka’s actions drew criticism from Di Canio, who slammed both the penalty appeal and the player’s resulting protests.
Di Canio argued that Saka’s behavior was unacceptable, stating, “He didn’t behave as an experienced player. He behaved like a baby with no experience.” However, some fans on social media were quick to point out the irony of Di Canio’s criticism, given his own history of confrontations with match officials.
Despite the controversy surrounding the incident, opinions remain divided. Some believe that Saka initiated the contact with Neuer, while others argue that the Bayern keeper stuck out his leg. The fact that VAR did not intervene suggests a subjective nature to the decision.
Former referee Mark Halsey weighed in on the debate, expressing surprise that a penalty was not awarded in real-time. Halsey believes that Arsenal would have had a legitimate claim if the penalty was given. He also criticized Gabriel for picking up the ball after the whistle had been blown, as this action should have resulted in a penalty for Bayern Munich.
In conclusion, Saka’s behavior during the match has sparked controversy and divided opinions. While some see his protests as justified, others criticize him for his immaturity. Regardless of the differing views, it is clear that Saka’s actions have garnered attention and generated discussions among fans and pundits alike.