Paolo Di Canio's brutal assessment of Bukayo Saka's reaction to Arsenal penalty decision
Paolo Di Canio has slammed Arsenal's Bukayo Saka for his reaction to a penalty decision in the recent clash with Bayern Munich, calling him a 'baby'.
The former Premier League icon didn't hold back in his criticism after the young Gunner was involved in a late-game incident on Tuesday that saw him hit the deck following a collision with Bayern's keeper Manuel Neuer. Despite Arsenal's appeals, referee Glenn Nyberg waved off penalty claims.
The debate over the penalty has been widespread, with ex-Arsenal forward Ian Wright and Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel agreeing that a penalty was not warranted. However, Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who scored for Bayern, hinted he would expect a penalty if he were in Saka's boots.
Di Canio, whose boyhood club Lazio were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern in the Round of 16, did not mince his words when discussing Saka's actions post-incident, as the England international pursued the referee in protest.
«He moves blatantly the leg towards Neuer, it's never a penalty,» declared Di Canio on Sky Italy, who became notorious in England for pushing a referee while playing against Arsenal for Sheffield Wednesday in 1998. «He didn't behave as an experienced player. He behaved like a baby with no experience,» reports the Mirror.
Whilst some sided with Di Canio on the penalty dispute, there was considerable debate from fans on social media over his second assertion. Several responses came in the form of: «Coming from Di Canio,» and another speaking about the Italian stated, «He's right but by Christ, he loved a dive».
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