Leif Davis was shown a red card for a wild tackle on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.(Image: Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Premier League forced to release Arsenal VAR statement after Bukayo Saka incident

by · football.london

The Premier League have confirmed that Ipswich Town defender Leif Davis was sent off for endangering Bukayo Saka during their clash against Arsenal. The Gunners' star forward was left in a heap by the former Leeds United academy prospect in the first-half after a wild tackle through the back of the England international.

Davis caught Saka high on the back of his ankle as he shielded the ball inside the Arsenal half, which sparked an injury concern for the attacker - who only recently returned from hamstring surgery.

The 23-year-old was fit to continue after receiving prolonged treatment but Kavanagh showed no hesitation but to brandish a straight red card to the full-back.

The Ipswich defender trudged off, touching the badge and seemingly apologising to the Portman Road crowd.

Bukayo Saka was left in a heap after a poor tackle from Leif Davis.(Image: Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

However, Chris Sutton, who was on co-commentary in Suffolk, was far from sympathetic.

He said: "Chris Kavanagh got it spot on there.

"He's nowhere near the ball, he can't win the ball but goes through the back of Saka.

"It's late. It's really reckless, I don't think he can have any complaints.

"He knew he was going to have a long afternoon Leif Davis but Saka's not going anywhere, he say he mightn't have caught him high but it's a poor challenge, no intent to play the ball.

"A little apology there coming off, that's as good as an omission of guilt, isn't it? I just don't know what he's thinking.

"Saka has his body in, he's nowhere near the ball. That's deliberate from Davis."

In a statement from the Premier League, they said: "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."

Arsenal knew that anything other than a win would've handed Liverpool the chance to win the Premier League with a win at Leicester City.

However, the Gunners showed no sign of a hangover from their midweek heroics against Real Madrid and raced into a two-goal lead thanks to goals from Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.