Danny Murphy has told Bukayo Saka to ‘be quiet’ and just focus on his football after he complained to the referee about persistent fouling in Arsenal’s win over Aston Villa.
Saka scored the only goal of the game at Villa Park on Saturday as Arsenal boosted their top-four chances and inflicted an eighth Premier League defeat on Villa.
Speaking after the 1-0 victory, Saka revealed he had spoken to referee Andy Madley after growing frustrated at what he perceived to be persistent fouls from Villa’s players.
‘I wasn’t complaining to the ref, but I just wanted to let him know that that’s my game running at players with pace and sometimes I need a bit more protection when players are purposefully trying to kick me,’ Saka told BT Sport.
Aston Villa manager Gerrard hit back at Saka by claiming he needed to ‘toughen up’ and ‘learn quick’ that physicality is part of the game.
Murphy agrees with Gerrard and rejected Saka’s suggestion that he is not protected by referees.
‘I don’t think there’s anything wrong with saying to the referee, “keep an eye out, I’m getting a bit”, that’s fine,’ Murphy told talkSPORT.
‘But I’m with Stevie on this one, I have never seen players being protected more than they are now. You can’t even follow through on a tackle without worrying about a red anymore.
‘I am a big fan of Saka as well. I love him, what a talent and what a player, but be quiet with it and take the hits when they come because you’ll get protected, there are plenty of reds and yellows being dished out.
‘If he was getting hammered that much he wouldn’t be playing every week, but he never misses a game.’
Aston Villa skipper Tyrone Mings was booked for catching Saka with his studs, while the Arsenal star also won several free-kicks before being substituted in the second half.
Gerrard had little sympathy, though, saying: ‘It’s part of the game. The last time I checked it’s not a no-contact sport. I think tackles are allowed, physicality’s allowed.
‘He’s a good player, he’s an outstanding talent and I love him. But he can’t complain about that side. That’s football.
‘I’m sitting here now with screws in my hips, I’ve had about 16 operations, I’m struggling to go to the gym at the moment. That’s all on the back of earning a living in English football. He’ll learn and he’ll learn quick.’
