Premier League explain red card during Arsenal vs Ipswich after 'dangerous' tackle

The Premier League have explained the decision behind Leif Davis' red card for a late challenge on Bukayo Saka in Arsenal's Premier League trip to Ipswich Town

15:04, 20 Apr 2025Updated 15:26, 20 Apr 2025

Ipswich defender Leif Davis was sent off

The Premier League have explained the decision behind Leif Davis' red card in Arsenal's Premier League trip to Portman Road.

Davis was shown a straight red card in the 32nd minute of the game, with Arsenal leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

The Ipswich defender was sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh after going in high on the back of Bukayo Saka's ankle on the half-way line, which left the Gunners star requiring treatment.

VAR checked the decision and decided that no on-field review was needed. The Premier League have since explained the reasons behind the call.

A social media post read: "The referees 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."

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Saka received treatment before he was able to return to the pitch. His every touch before half-time was met with boos from home fans, and jeers as he missed a number of chances to extend Arsenal's lead.

Ipswich were 2-0 down at the time of the sending off, with Saka influential in both of the goals. Arsenal must win to deny Liverpool the chance to seal the title at Leicester City later on Sunday.

[ Bukayo Saka of Arsenal receives medical treatment]

Saka received treatment after the tackle

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Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson branded Davis' tackle as "very poor" as he took aim at the 25-year-old on BBC Radio 5 Live. He said: "I can totally understand the red card when you break down that tackle. It's so intentional.

"That's actually very poor from Leif Davis. You hurt a player and you have made no attempt to go anywhere near the ball."

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At half-time, Upson added that the red card buried any chance that Ipswich had of getting anything from the match. He said: "I rarely say a game is over at half-time, but this feels very much like it - unless there is some swashbuckling performance from Ipswich in the second half and I can't see it at all.

"Their left-hand side have been very badly exploited by Arsenal in the first half. Every time Bukayo Saka has had the ball at his feet, he tormented them and he has probably done it at 75% of his capacity."

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