News 2025 ipswich town v arsenal leif davis shown red ugly tackle bukayo saka 20250421 p5lt6k.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Ipswich defender Leif Davis left seeing red after 'ridiculous' tackle on Arsenal's Bukayo Saka

Alyssa Bone
Alyssa Bone

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Ipswich's Leif Davis was left seeing red after he was sent off for an ugly tackle on Bukayo Saka in the first half of Arsenal's 4-0 win in the Premier League.

Davis lasted just 32 minutes on the pitch before he was shown a straight red by referee Chris Kavanagh after he dragged his studs down the back of his rival's Achilles.

Saka was left down on the turf for several minutes as he was treated by team medics but eventually was cleared to continue on with the battle.

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Replays of the incident confirmed that Kavanagh had made the correct decision to immediately raise the red as Davis had endangered "the safety of his opponent."

"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," Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports.

Referee Chris Kavanagh shows a red card to Leif Davis of Ipswich Town, following a foul on Bukayo Saka of Arsenal.

Referee Chris Kavanagh shows a red card to Leif Davis of Ipswich Town, following a foul on Bukayo Saka of Arsenal. Getty

"But the more you look at it, it's a really good decision from the officials (because) what he is doing is absolutely ridiculous.

"There is no way he can get the ball."

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'He's frustrated," former Manchester United captain Roy Keane added.

"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."

Davis raised his hands by way of apology to the crowd as he walked off the field, but the simple act will not be enough to overturn his suspension for next week's clash with Newcastle.

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Arsenal's Bukayo Saka receives treatment for an injury.

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka receives treatment for an injury. PA Images via Getty Images

It was a worrying sight for Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta given Saka had spent the past three months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old only returned from his stint on the sidelines on Wednesday where he helped Arsenal defeat Real Madrid to book a spot in the Champions League semi finals.

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Saka was met by a chorus of boos from the rival crowd each time he touched the ball after the incident.

He was seen icing his ankle after he was subbed off 12 minutes into the second half.

Arteta confirmed that Saka's injury did not appear to be "anything too serious."

"I didn't see the tackle, it was quite fast," Arteta said post-match.

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"It's a good decision from the referee. He in a bit of pain but thankfully it doesn't look anything too serious."

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