“Jamie Carragher Finally Answers: Did Leif Davis Deserve the Red for Stamping Saka?
Arteta Reflects on Arsenal’s Comfortable Win Over Ipswich, Red Card Incident Draws Attention
Mikel Arteta had plenty to say following Arsenal’s dominant 4-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Sunday, a result that delays Liverpool’s title celebrations just a bit longer.
The Gunners eased past Ipswich as they prepare to host Crystal Palace in their next Premier League fixture on Wednesday.
Arteta, though rotating some players, fielded a strong starting XI. Bukayo Saka took a knock during the match but still managed to provide an assist and came close to scoring multiple times.
Impressive performances came from Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli—who netted once—and Leandro Trossard, who scored twice.
Controversial Red Card Overshadows Ipswich Defeat
The match’s main talking point, however, came when Ipswich’s Leif Davis was shown a straight red card in the 32nd minute after stamping on Saka’s heel.
The incident sparked debate over whether the punishment was justified.
Jamie Carragher weighed in on the matter during Sky Sports coverage. Initially uncertain, he described the challenge as one that might fall between a yellow and red—an “orange” card.
But after reviewing the footage, Carragher concluded the referee made the correct call, labeling the challenge “ridiculous.”
“We’ve seen it a few times. At first, it looked like it could go either way—a yellow or maybe an orange. But the more you look at it, it’s ridiculous,” Carragher said.
Matthew Upson also criticized Davis’ tackle on BBC Sport, noting its dangerous nature.
“When a player raises his hand like that while hitting the ground, you know it’s bad,” Upson explained. “Saka’s ankle was at an awkward angle when the stamp came down.
His foot was planted, and that’s a vulnerable position.”
Upson believes this factor likely influenced both the referee’s decision and the VAR review. “It could have caused serious injury, but thankfully it looks like Saka is okay.”
Premier League Match Centre Justifies Red Card
According to the Premier League Match Centre, the red card was upheld after a VAR check determined the foul constituted serious foul play and endangered the safety of an opponent.
With a crucial Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain approaching, Arsenal fans will hope Saka’s knock isn’t serious.
As for the challenge itself, there appears to be broad consensus—it was a clear red card.
