Bukayo Saka had to caution Conor McGregor to “be careful” after the UFC star kicked and grappled with the Arsenal winger in an unexpected episode. The pair met on the pitch following the Gunners’ 2-0 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

Saka, who scored during the match, encountered McGregor on the Emirates Stadium pitch post-game. In a video shared by the Irishman on Instagram, McGregor appears eager to demonstrate some martial arts moves to Saka, and they initially engage in some light shadow boxing.

However, McGregor soon escalates the encounter by delivering a light kick to Saka’s thigh. The 36-year-old then follows up with a firmer kick, with Saka laughing throughout the exchange.

McGregor kicks Saka once more, this time aiming higher on his body. At this point, the 22-year-old steps back and gestures with his hand, as though signalling for McGregor to stop.

The two men then share a warm embrace before McGregor attempts to grapple Saka, almost bringing him to the ground. Though clearly amused, Saka appears somewhat concerned and warns McGregor: “Be careful, be careful, mate!”

As Saka walks off camera, he is heard quipping: “He could have done my ACL with that!”

McGregor laughs into the camera, appearing to say, “I got him!”

According to the Irish Mirror, McGregor was eventually asked to leave the pitch by security. He was not an official guest of Arsenal and is reported to have obtained a ticket via a third party. McGregor’s Instagram also shows him posing with Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Love Island contestant Luca Bish.

Saka was instrumental in Arsenal’s victory over PSG, with his inswinging free-kick from the right side finding its way into Gianluigi Donnarumma’s net. Arsenal opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a header from Kai Havertz, followed by Saka’s goal 15 minutes later.

Head coach Mikel Arteta will be relieved that his prized player emerged unscathed from his meeting with McGregor. Saka has started all nine of Arsenal’s matches this season, scoring two goals and providing five assists.

Lee Carsley has also selected the Arsenal academy graduate for England’s squad in the upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and Finland. This follows Saka’s involvement in both of the Three Lions’ fixtures during the September international window.