Souness accuses Saka of diving despite the winger’s high foul count

Bukayo Saka ranks second among Premier League players for fouls suffered this season, with 21, behind Elliott Anderson on 23, according to the Mirror. The statistic contrasts with Graeme Souness’s accusations of diving, as he also alleges that Arsenal players try to influence refereeing decisions.

The former Liverpool and Rangers captain criticised Saka after Arsenal’s win over Nottingham Forest. Speaking on « Piers Morgan: Uncensored Football », he accused the winger of deceiving referees and going to ground without having genuinely been fouled. Souness believes Saka’s teammates add to that pressure.

« Saka goes down pretending everywhere. I don’t want to hear about him. As soon as it looks like he might lose the ball, he’s already on the ground. He pretends there’s been a foul, and anyone who pretends like that is, in my eyes, a cheat », Souness said.

He went on to describe a situation in which, in his view, a referee may initially see no foul, then notice Saka still on the ground as nearby Arsenal players appeal for a decision. Souness says that collective reaction can unsettle the referee and lead to a free kick despite the official’s first impression.

The former midfielder also broadened his criticism to modern football. He considers diving a form of cheating, but says it is widespread. He suggested that, if 100 people were asked what they dislike about today’s game, 50% would name diving and 50% video assistant refereeing.

Saka had also faced criticism in 2024 after going down following contact with Manuel Neuer in a match against Bayern Munich. Referee Glenn Nyberg did not award a penalty. Arsenal are also due to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, Everton in the Premier League on Saturday and Fleetwood Town in the League Cup three days later. The « Gunners » have six more matches to play before the next international break.