- Kilbane makes Saka ‘limping’ comments
- Fans criticise Kilbane
- England face Serbia next Sunday
WHAT HAPPENED?
Kilbane was previewing the tournament as part of a TSN Sports programme. When discussing who would start for England, Kilbane took aim at Saka and accused him of faking injuries in games. The clip of KIlbane’s comments angered fans.
.jpg?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1)
WHAT KILBANE SAID
On the programme, Kilbane said: “Watch out during the Euros as well with Saka. [He’ll be] limping off with 20 minutes to go and then a doubt for the next game and then [he’ll] make it.”
WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
Fans lept to Saka’s defence on X, with @HaleEndFan posting: “Absolutely SHAMEFUL from TSN Sports and everyone associated.”
Arsenal fan Varun said: “Trash from Kevin Kilbane here, shame we’ll have to hear more from him on Canada’s coverage of the Euros.”
@One_Two_Pass pointed out Saka’s impressive performances for England. They said: “10 MOTM in 23 starts… unbelievable how media have framed him so poorly.”
Adejoke could not believe the comments, saying: “Nahh this is crazy..a pro shouldn’t be saying this.”
Jay was straight to the point.
What the hell, they should fire this guy
pic.twitter.com/OzU88aHiJc— ͏͏͏𝐉𝐚𝐲 ⌖ (@cagiago_) June 6, 2024
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Saka has regularly been targeted on social media in recent months for supposedly limping off the pitch for Arsenal. The young winger is also regularly targeted by opposition players and was the fifth most fouled player in the Premier League. Saka has long been managing a muscle injury that kept him out of the final game of the season and meant he played just 30 minutes for England this week.
WHAT NEXT FOR SAKA?
As one of England’s best players, Southgate will be hoping Saka will be fit enough to start the Three Lions’ first game of the tournament against Serbia next Sunday. The Arsenal winger is the second-highest England scorer in the squad behind Harry Kane with 11 goals, seven clear of next-best Phil Foden.
