Premier League issues statement on Davis’ red card for tackle on Saka

The Premier League have confirmed that Ipswich Town defender Leif Davis was shown a straight card against Arsenal for “endangering the safety of an opponent”.

Davis was sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh after raking his studs on the back of Bukayo Saka’s Archilles.

The challenge left Saka in pain and he neede several minutes of treatment before he continued playing.

VAR checked Kavanagh’s decision and approved the red card.

And in a tweet on X, the Premier League wrote: “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.”

Ipswich were already two goals down when Davis was given the marching orders, thanks to Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson described Davis’ tackle on Saka as “very poor” after watching it back while analysing the game for BBC Radio 5 Live.

He said: “I can totally understand the red card when you break down that tackle. It’s so intentional.”

Premier League issues statement on Davis’ red card for tackle on Saka