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Mark Clattenburg gives verdict on Leif Davis’ red card foul on Bukayo Saka during Ipswich vs Arsenal
Ipswich Town defender Leif Davis certainly made life for his side a lot harder against Arsenal when he raked down the back of Bukayo Saka’s leg in the 32nd minute of the first half.
Ipswich were 2-0 down at the time courtesy of goals from Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli for Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta’s side were already in control of the game.
Arsenal arrived at Portman Road full of confidence following their 2-1 win against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, and fortunately for the Gunners’ traveling fans, there was little sign of a European hangover.
In truth, Arsenal’s quality was already proving too much for Kieran McKenna’s side prior to Davis’ poor challenge on Saka — one that made life much harder for the Tractor Boys.
Mark Clattenburg reacts to Leif Davis’ red card tackle on Bukayo Saka
That being said, TBR Football exclusively spoke to former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg who gave his verdict on Davis’ red card.
Fortunately Saka wasn’t injured by the tackle, but Clattenburg thought referee Chris Kavanagh was right to show red, part of his responsibility to protect the players on the pitch.
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Sharing his assessment, Clattenburg said: “The referee was correct in sending Davis off for a poor challenge on Saka.
“Davis had little chance on playing the ball and catches his opponent on the back of the leg with his studs.
“To reach the criteria of a red card for serious foul play, there has to be some malice and force used in the challenge, we can deem that there is malice as he had little chance to play the ball and some speed was used as Davis used a straight leg whilst making the challenge.
“This could have endangered Saka with a serious injury and therefore the referee was fully justified in the sending off.
“Referees have a duty to protect players and in this case, Chris Kavanagh did his job.”
VAR agreed with Chris Kavanagh’s decision
Of course, VAR did check Kavanagh’s on-field decision, but there was no sign of disagreement at Stockley Park.
Sharing their verdict on X, the Premier League Match Centre communicated: “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.
Although most will agree with the decision here, Clattenburg called for a VAR rule change recently, one that he thought would improve the process.
Either way, Arsenal supporters will just be grateful that Saka seemed relatively unharmed on this occasion, even if he could be seen icing the back of his leg on the bench.
Arteta will currently be trying to find a balance between getting the Arsenal forward match sharp whilst also protecting him ahead of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.