Bukayo Saka

On the grid at the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, Saka declined questions from Sky Sports. Nico Rosberg commented on air that he was 'not very friendly', prompting a minor media controversy.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Directly implicated

In stoppage time of the first leg of the Arsenal–Bayern Champions League quarter-final, Saka fell following contact with Manuel Neuer. The referee and VAR did not award a penalty, prompting significant debate over whether Neuer had committed a foul or Saka had deliberately sought contact.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Following England's 1–0 defeat to Iceland, several British media outlets prominently used Saka's image to illustrate the failure, although he had not been on the pitch when the goal was conceded. Kick It Out wrote an open letter to editors criticising this prominence.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Saka was booked for simulation against Southampton, and Graham Potter subsequently accused him of diving during Chelsea–Arsenal after a challenge by Marc Cucurella. Mikel Arteta later called on referees to protect him better, arguing that several challenges against him had not been appropriately penalised.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

After missing England's final penalty in the Euro 2020 final against Italy, Saka, like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, was targeted by a wave of racist abuse on social media. The episode prompted widespread public condemnation and a police investigation.

State of the evidence

Documented

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist is the victim