Fans have ripped into former Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane, after his comments on Bukayo Saka ahead of Euro 2024.
Kilbane was part of the TSN Sports studio team previewing the tournament, which kicks off next, and was putting together an draft best XI from the players at the finals alongside fellow pundit Stephen Caldwell.
Kilbane's team included some of the summer's big hitters including Kylian Mbappe, Declan Rice and Bruno Fernandes, but the ex-Sunderland man wasn't too bothered to miss out on Arsenal star Saka.
As Caldwell included him in his XI, Kilbane claimed that he wouldn't pick the 22-year-old due to his tendency to play on small injuries - choosing France's Antoine Griezmann instead.
Telling his fellow TSN Sports pundit: '[Saka is] not in the same class as [Antoine] Griezmann [in terms of] his influence on the side.
'Watch out during the Euros as well with Saka. [He'll be] limping off with 20 minutes to go and then a doubt for the next game and then [he'll] make it.'
Saka has faced some criticism in the past across social media, for missing games through minor injuries, but fans have been quick to rubbish Kilbane's claims online.
'This is a joke TV personalities nowadays are trying to be more like social media fans what happened to analyse the game properly?' One fan ranted on X.
Others laid the blame on the broadcaster, which one posting, 'Ridiculous from TSN here.'
While another read, 'Absolutely SHAMEFUL from @TSN_Sports and everyone associated.'
There was some that even suggested that Saka is now receiving the same kind of unnecessary treatment that was previously aimed at a former England teammate.
Stating: 'Saka is the new Sterling. They're gonna hate him for no reason.'
Saka hasn't played for England since the win over Scotland last September, and missed the March international friendlies with an unknown injury.
Despite missing those games, the forward still managed to play 47 times for Arsenal last season, scoring twenty goals.
He was included in Gareth Southgate's final squad for the finals in Germany, where he's expected to be a key player for the England side.
Bokacdilot
0
That same guy you called a racist has Rudiger and Bellingham in his squad so what's so point dumb guy.
Most foolish from a fool like you
yihdikltz
1
but it wasn't a problem when Michael Owen says he will go for Palmer instead of Saka?
Copbceryz
1
He played for Ireland and won nothing there nothing better from his head....
Ages_98
0
There’s absolutely NOWHERE that racism is mentioned in this article
talking based on people's reactions and comments.
biuabeprtz
0
we blacks have taken this racist issue too far. labeling this guy a racist where his squad has Bellingham and Rudiger (Blacks). Him not chosen Saka how does that make him a racist?
[image]
There’s absolutely NOWHERE that racism is mentioned in this article
Shaqdon
0
In this world you get sticks for telling as it is (truth)... Saka is that type of player honestly & his style of play can't beat an opponent 1vs1, instead he ran into the opponent & turn around to make a back pass. To add a few 💩
Most times saka turns back with the ball, because there’s two or more defenders set against him. Saka is sneakingly dangerous to be left alone 1v1
Ages_98
0
we blacks have taken this racist issue too far. labeling this guy a racist where his squad has Bellingham and Rudiger (Blacks). Him not chosen Saka how does that make him a racist?
Ages_98
0
It’s just that Saka is black that’s why he rejected him from his team. This pure racism
[image]
Rudiger and Bellingham have red skin 😂. Not everything's about racism.
Ages_98
0
What to expect from racist
That same guy you called a racist has Rudiger and Bellingham in his squad so what's so point dumb guy.
Ages_98
0
white pig that all smell like to show themselves
Getting offended over someone's opinion 😒. Racist black Nigga.
Ages_98
0
These sets of racist….Mtcheeew
How? can't you see he choose Rudiger and Bellingham? Are they not black? you guys have taken this racist issue too far.
Wreh
0
I am not offended by his views racially because there were none. The problem is because Kilbane is white and Saka is black. everyone is entitledto a fair opinion.
howdmoprtu
0
in my opinion Martinelli is better than saka just Saka is preferred because he is injury free and English
Jonathan14
1
white pig that all smell like to show themselves
Sozaenprt
0
These sets of racist….Mtcheeew
Poyabkrty
2
In this world you get sticks for telling as it is (truth)... Saka is that type of player honestly & his style of play can't beat an opponent 1vs1, instead he ran into the opponent & turn around to make a back pass. To add a few 💩
coming from a Man U fan just didn't expect any sense in your post
miguelbumba
4
Kilbane would love to Saka missing games due to injuries and that would be it for him. Bad news, although Saka is one of the most kicked players, he's proven to be a tough boy. Next joke plz!
Pedacklprz
1
at least he plays fur d gunners
Bouaeiosuy
3
In this world you get sticks for telling as it is (truth)... Saka is that type of player honestly & his style of play can't beat an opponent 1vs1, instead he ran into the opponent & turn around to make a back pass. To add a few 💩
AdrianShion
0
how many former players are pundits? only the useless ones are pundits now. Shit l players in their days
shearer, souness, Owen, Rio, Keane, Henry, these are shitty players?
Niddilmnsu
4
how many former players are pundits? only the useless ones are pundits now. Shit l players in their days
Charleyray
1
That what they do now ,Talk shit about peope
Bokacdilot
1
What to expect from racist
LarryOJ1
4
I don’t blame him if he has a better career like Saka he’ll not be talking like that
9jaNinja8903
1
A**holes like this dude shouldn't be anywhere near punditry. 😡
gattuso675
3
It’s just that Saka is black that’s why he rejected him from his team. This pure racism
Manchesterisblue
4
Who cares about those pundits anyway, they were nobody back in the day so that's why they talked too much to gain attention from internet users.