Arsenal complained to PGMOL about the rough treatment of Bukayo Saka by opponents, with their star man the third most fouled player in the Premier League in 2023.

Arsenal have complained to Premier League referees about what they consider to be rough treatment of Bukayo Saka by opponents.

In 2023, the Arsenal winger was the third most fouled player in the league, with 87 fouls. Only Crystal Palace's Jordan Ayew (117) and Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes (92) had more fouls.

It is understood that it was a series of incidents that prompted Arsenal to emphasize that, in their view, opponents are free to target the winger without an initial penalty in Premier League matches.

The issue was raised as part of a wider conversation earlier this season with the league's refereeing organization – a dialogue that is taking place between all clubs and the organisation.

Arsenal are reported to have said a referee should give a yellow card to an offender after the first strong foul on the 22-year-old, rather than waiting for a second foul.

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Concerns about Saka may be influenced by the fact that the winger has had an Achilles tendon problem since last season. He was also forced out against Lens on October 3, causing him to be out injured for a few weeks.

In February last year, Arteta warned Saka that he cannot rely on referees to protect him from rough treatment.

The Spaniard said at the time: 'He has to learn when to take certain balls, what to do with the ball, how to use his body, when to jump.

'There are many things we can train, but it is obviously very difficult to understand what the opponent is going to do…'

'Wingers and talented players get kicked and fouled and are required to win games and that's the opportunity he has, that's his role in the team.'

Earlier this season, the FA accused Mikel Arteta of his tirade about referees following the Gunners' defeat to Newcastle, but an independent panel rejected the allegations last month.