Following his remarks about Bukayo Saka ahead of Euro 2024, fans have taken former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane to task.
Alongside fellow analyst Stephen Caldwell, Kilbane was assembling a draft best XI from the players in the finals as part of the TSN Sports studio crew previewing the competition, which begins next.
While Kylian Mbappe, Declan Rice, and Bruno Fernandes were among the summer’s biggest stars on Kilbane’s squad, the former Sunderland player wasn’t too upset about missing out on Arsenal’s Saka. Kilbane said he would not choose the 22-year-old because of his propensity to play on minor injuries, preferring France’s Antoine Griezmann, even though Caldwell selected him in his starting lineup.
‘[Saka is] not in the same league as [Antoine] Griezmann [in terms of] his influence on the side,’ he told his fellow TSN Sports analyst.
‘Watch out with Saka throughout the Euros as well. With twenty minutes remaining, [he] will be limping off, doubting his ability to play in the following game, and then making it.
Saka had previously drawn some criticism on social media for missing games because of minor injuries, but supporters have swiftly refuted Kilbane’s assertions online.
That’s a joke. What happened to properly evaluate the game? TV celebrities these days are attempting to be more like social media users.’ A fan ranting about X.
‘Ridiculous from TSN here,’ one poster wrote, blaming the broadcaster.
‘Absolutely SHAMEFUL from @TSN_Sports and everyone affiliated,’ said another.
Some even made the suggestion that Saka is now being treated with the same needless cruеlty as was directed at a former England colleague.