Souness Brands Arsenal Star Saka A ‘Cheat’ Over Diving Claims

Former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder Graeme Souness has branded Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka a ‘cheat’ over allegations of diving and exaggerating contact during matches.

Souness criticised Saka’s reactions to challenges from opponents, arguing that players who simulate fouls undermine the integrity of football and make the referee’s job more difficult.

The former Liverpool star cited an incident involving Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams, claiming the contact on Saka was minimal and accusing Arsenal players of putting pressure on the referee to award a foul.

Souness also criticised what he sees as a growing trend among modern players to surround referees and appeal aggressively for decisions, arguing that such behaviour is damaging the game.

His comments come as Saka continues to feature prominently among Premier League players who draw fouls from opponents.

The England international won 54 fouls in the Premier League last season and remains among the players near the top of the league standings for fouls won this campaign.

However, Souness’s criticism focuses on whether some of the contact Saka receives is exaggerated, rather than simply on the number of fouls awarded in his favour.

In a separate assessment of Arsenal’s prospects, former Gunners goalkeeper David Seaman expressed confidence that manager Mikel Arteta could lead the club to multiple Premier League titles and potentially the Champions League.

Seaman praised Arteta’s work ethic and the progress he has overseen at Arsenal, backing the Spaniard to deliver major honours as the club continues to develop under his leadership.