Roy Keane gives Arsenal blunt red card verdict amid Bukayo Saka injury fear

Roy Keane has given his blunt verdict on the tackle from Ipswich Town defender Leif Davis on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka which saw the Tractor Boys man awarded a red card.

The Gunners claimed a 4-0 win over Kieran McKenna's side in the Premier League clash at Portman Road on Easter Sunday. A Leandro Trossard brace supported by goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri saw Arsenal leave East Anglia with all three points.

It was in the first half that Davis was sent off for a reckless tackle on Saka, which left the Arsenal star needing treatment from the medical staff.

Referee Chris Kavanagh issued a red card to the Ipswich defender on the pitch, with the decision also being confirmed by VAR.

Keane was on punditry duty for Sky Sports and called the tackle an unacceptable one. The former Manchester United star believes the correct decision was made to give Davis his marching orders for the challenge on Saka.

"He'd [Davis] had a warning earlier and he's getting frustrated, but this is unacceptable," said Keane during Sky Sports' post-match analysis. "It's a dangerous tackle.

"Saka's going nowhere, he [Davis] knows what he's doing. He seems surprised he gets a red but we've looked at it and I think it's the right decision. Crazy tackle."

Mikel Arteta was also asked about Saka's fitness, as well as the sending off, during his post-match press conference.

There were fears that Saka had suffered a potential injury after the Arsenal star was spotted having ice on his ankle after being substituted around the hour mark.

"The referee's made a decision that it is clear," Arteta told reporters. "He [Saka] was a bit sore, but it's nothing serious, so it's good.

“I haven't seen the slow-motion, I've just seen the normal pace image, and yeah, he cuts him from the back.

“I don't think it's intentional at all, but it's dangerous because he cannot really react to anything, because you cannot see him coming.”

Sign up for Arsenal news direct to your email inbox

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal face a crucial January transfer window if they want to push Liverpool for the title and you can stay up to date with every breaking news story, opinion and more...

By signing up to our newsletter here, you'll make sure you receive the best Gunners content including news, rumours, articles and fan opinions - direct into your inbox and all for free!

We also want to hear from you. Create an account here in just a few moments, so you can have your say on all things Arsenal, join the debate and take part in exclusive Q&As as well.