Arsenal fans raging as Saka asks for painkillers after Newcastle foul

Newcastle V Arsenal: Pictures

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was forced to ask the Gunners’ physio for painkillers after a heavy tackle from Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes during a feisty encounter at St James’ Park. Martin Odegaard’s strike from range gave the visitors the lead in a heated atmosphere, as tempers threatened to boil over in the north east.

Guimaraes’ challenge on Saka was described as “nasty” by several Arsenal supporters on social media, who lambasted their opponents for their tough-tackling nature as the England man’s boot was removed from his foot after the lunge. Saka even asked club physio Gary O’Driscoll for painkillers after the challenge, which he was refused for.

It is expected that he could have instead received the painkillers during the half-time break, though no yellow card was shown throughout the first half despite clear frustrations from both sets of players.

Arsenal fans took to Twitter to voice their opinions over Guimaraes’ perceived foul on Saka. @Gunnerpunner said: “Bruno has stamped on Saka there. On his calf. Ref just plays on. No card. What’s he doing in this job? Honestly?” While @Beerazasha added: “That was nasty from Guimaraes.”

Several supporters felt that Guimaraes could have even been sent off for a second yellow due to a previous challenge on Gabriel Jesus. @Louis_Akindele wrote: “Bruno has now got away with a fairly obvious yellow card for his foul on Jesus. And then takes his studs down Saka’s calf. Off the ball. So should be off. Doesn’t even have a yellow.”

Amid the officials’ lack of action, the players looked to take the law into their own hands as Granit Xhaka and Callum Wilson were involved in a heated altercation, while Kieran Trippier and Gabriel Jesus exchanged words.

Shortly after Guimaraes caught Saka with his studs down the back of his leg, Joelinton was aggrieved at the referee before Jesus and Gabriel were forced to calm the situation.

Not everyone was dismayed with the feisty nature of the game, however, as former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock admitted he was enjoying the atmosphere in Newcastle.

“It’s been brilliant,” Warnock told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Tempers are flaring down the tunnel. Words exchanged between both sets of players.”

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