Arsenal send letter to PGMOL ahead of Liverpool clash over 'rough treatment'

Arsenal have reportedly written to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) ahead of their FA Cup tie against Liverpool.

The Daily Mail reports that the Gunners are unhappy with the 'rough treatment' that Buyako Saka has been receiving. Throughout 2023, the England international was the third most fouled player in the Premier League. He was brought down 87 times, with Crystal Palace's Jordan Ayew (117) and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes (92) only being fouled more.

It is claimed that Arsenal feel that 'opponents are free to clatter the winger without an initial punishment' and a yellow card should be given to the opponent after the first strong foul made on Saka rather than waiting for a second.

Mikel Arteta's side currently sit fourth in the Premier League and trail Liverpool by five points. The north London side suffered back-to-back losses against West Ham and Fulham during the festive period, while Jurgen Klopp's troops earned wins over Burnley and Newcastle to stretch away from Arsenal in the title race.

However, the two heavyweights will now turn their attention to the FA Cup when they meet in the third round of the competition at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (16.30 GMT).