BUKAYO SAKA was accused of “behaving like a baby” for his ref rant against Bayern Munich.
Coming as it did from such a fiery Premier League legend as Paulo Di Canio, that jibe may be seen as ironic – but it was no less scathing for it.
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The ex-West Ham hero didn’t hold back – slating Saka’s outburst after the Arsenal winger was denied the chance of a last-gasp penalty winner.
The England ace remonstrated wildly when Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg waved away his appeals.
Fans were divided on whether Saka was in the right as he claimed Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer tripped him.
But the 22-year-old raced up to Nyberg to complain, even pointing to where on his leg he reckoned Neuer had taken him out.
Saka continued his antics seconds later as the final whistle sounded on Tuesday’s 2-2 Champions League quarter-final draw.
And Arsenal assistant boss Albert Stuivenberg had to push the star away – with Saka flapping his arms around in annoyance.
Sky Italy quoted Di Canio as slamming both the penalty appeal AND in particular Saka’s resulting protests.
The former Sunderland chief, 55, said of the spot-kick controversy: “He moves blatantly the leg towards Neuer, it’s never a penalty.”
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Surprised it wasn’t a penalty, says Halsey
By Mark Halsey
SOME will say that Bukayo Saka initiated the contact, but Manuel Neuer stuck out his leg.
I was surprised Glenn Nyberg did not award Arsenal a penalty in real time at the end.
Bayern Munich could have no complaints if it was given, they got away with one.
Munich were very lucky.
It is subjective, so maybe that is why VAR did not get involved.
Had it been given, the decision would not have changed.
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