Jamie Carragher took aim at Leif Davis following his sending off in Ipswich’s 4-0 defeat to Arsenal, condemning the defender’s ‘absolutely ridiculous’ challenge on Bukayo Saka.
It proved a nightmarish start to the game for the Tractor Boys, with Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard opening the scoring after only 14 minutes to silence Portman Road.
Gabriel Martinelli latched onto an exquisite assist from Mikel Merino to double the Gunners’ advantage in the 28th minute and the hosts’ afternoon went from bad to worse just moments later.
Saka – who only recently returned from a serious hamstring injury – had been a thorn in Ipswich’s side for much of the first half and Davis let his frustrations get the better of him with a horrendous tackle from behind on the England winger.
Replays showed Davis rake his studs down the back of Saka’s right ankle and VAR ruled that referee Chris Kavanagh had made the correct decision in brandishing a straight red card.
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A Premier League statement read: ‘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.’
Davis will therefore be suspended for Ipswich’s trip to Newcastle next weekend and the full-back was pictured holding his hands up by way of apology as he made his way off the field.
Watching back replays of the challenge the half-time break, Sky Sports’ punditry panel of Carragher, Micah Richards and Roy Keane had little sympathy for Davis.
Asked whether the referee made the right call, former Liverpool and England defender Carragher replied: ‘Yes.
‘They looked at it a few times because you’re thinking it’s almost one of those where it’s in between a yellow and a red… almost like an orange if you like.
‘But the more you look at it, it’s a really good decision from the officials and what he is doing is absolutely ridiculous. There is no way he can get the ball.’
Ex-Manchester City star Richards chimed in: ‘He just tried to nick it, hasn’t he? That’s what he tried to do.
‘I don’t think he’s tried to do him, but I agree with Carra.’
Saka lasted just 12 minutes of the second half before being replaced by Ethan Nwaneri.
Sky Sports’ coverage of the match later showed the attacker with a hefty ice pack strapped around his right ankle, which will have Arsenal fans sweating ahead of the side’s Champions League semi-final contest with Paris Saint-Germain.
Mikel Arteta gives Bukayo Saka injury update
Asked about Saka’s condition after the game, Arteta said: ‘Bukayo is in a bit of pain but thankfully it doesn’t look anything too serious.
‘He’s fine, it’s nothing serious.’
Former Manchester United captain Keane – no stranger to the colour red during his playing days – felt Davis’ challenge reflected the ‘frustration’ Ipswich’s players were feeling after a dismal start to the game.
‘He’s frustrated. Obviously somebody has to put a mark on a winger but that’s not right and I think it’s the right decision.
‘Now, they are really up against it, of course.’
Merino continued his impressive form with a sublime flick to set up Martinelli’s 28th-minute goal and Carragher had nothing but praise for the Spaniard, who he said had been a ‘revelation’.
‘I just look at Merino in that position and he’s been an absolute revelation since he’s made that move,’ Carragher said.
‘I know he’s deeper today but since he first went up top, 13 games ago, he’s had six goals and four assists.
‘He’s been absolutely fantastic.’
On Merino’s assist, Carragher added: ‘That’s genius, that’s absolutely out of this world.
‘It doesn’t matter who the opposition is, the awareness of Martinelli coming in at the back was brilliant.’
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