Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterArsenal manager Mikel Arteta classily responded to Bukayo Saka cheating allegations from Graeme Souness, saying in a presser on Tuesday: Im not going to speak about opinions.Souness words arrived during an appearance on Piers Morgans Football Uncensored programme, in which he described Saka as a diver that should be staying on his feet.The former Liverpool skipper told Morgan: Your man Saka dives all over the place. I dont want to hear about him Anyone who simulates a foul, in my book, would be a cheat.Mikel Arteta classily replies to cheating Bukayo Saka comments made by Graeme SounessThe Scotsman continued: The minute [Saka] looks like losing possession, hes down. He simulates a foul he dives when he should be staying on his feet.Souness then described how, when Saka is tackled, he screams as hes going down to help convince the referee hes been fouled. The referee thinks theres nothing in that but, wait a minute, hes stayed down, said the ex-Liverpool man. You may like Mikel Merino reveals how Arsenal have battled internal doubts Everyone's wrong about Bukayo Saka's decline: statistically, he's still elite Arsenal in for �100m+ right-winger - with Bukayo Saka potentially set for big change either way: report The Scot then turned his attention to the wider Arsenal team, laying into players who rally around Saka in such moments.And then, worse than that, everyone in the immediate area - all Arsenal players - put their hands up and scream foul. [So] the referee panics.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.[He] blows his whistle when it wasnt a foul; his first instinct was the right one. He blows a foul because hes thinking, Wait a minute, [theres] something Im not understanding here.Souness expressed clearly his belief that simulation is a form of cheating, then admitted that many players, not just Saka, indulge in such antics.If you asked 100 people what it is that you dislike about the modern game, 50 per cent would say simulation, another 50 per cent would say VAR, concluded the Scotsman. What to read next Michael Olise's nonchalant interview schtick is rude, tiresome and boring - sort it out Matteo Guendouzi was talking trash about money and how he was better than us I scored a winner then rubbed it in his face Neal Maupay on his infamous Arsenal bust up Leah Williamson handball drama explained as Renee Slegers misses Arsenal post-match press conference In turn, Arteta responded classily in a pre-match presser to Souness words, claiming: I havent heard it and Im not going to talk about opinions.When pressed to say more, and possibly something more concretely against Souness claims, the Arsenal boss refused.We are open to opinions, said the Spaniard, classily. Its part of our job, its part of our roles, and those opinions need to be respected - especially if they are [given] in a respectful way.We are here to prove that we belong to this level, to this stage and certainly always have the intention and ambition to improve and be better. That's it, finished Arteta.The Gunners take on Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening, with Saka, who bagged two goal contributions off the bench in the Champions League last week, expected to take part.Kedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
