By Samuel A. November 17, 2023
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been charged by the Football Association for comments he made after their 1-0 defeat by Newcastle. Arteta, being overly furious and frustrated, called the Video Assistant Referee’s decision to allow Newcastle’s goal embarrassing and a disgrace. Arteta made the comments after Anthony Gordon’s decisive strike for Newcastle took four minutes to be awarded, as checks were made for whether the ball went out of play, a potential offside and a possible foul by Joelinton. The goal had three VAR checks and all were adjudged in Newcastle’s favour.
“It’s alleged that his comments constitute misconduct as they are insulting towards match officials or detrimental to the game or bring the game into disrepute,” the FA statement said.
The incident which led to Arsenal dropping three vital points in the 1-0 defeat left Arteta furious and he made his feelings clear after the game, but the rule states : “A participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.”
The Gunners sit third in the Premier League standings after 12 games, one point behind leaders Manchester City, and the defeat in Tyneside is their only league loss of the season. Arsenal supported Arteta’s comments in a club statement, while the Arsenal manager later said it was his duty to defend the club. The club said the refereeing was “unacceptable”, adding that players, coaches and supporters all “deserve better”.
Match Officials Mic’d Up, a Premier League Productions programme which analyzes VAR decisions from the last months, saw referees’ chief Howard Webb backed the decision of on-field referee Stuart Attwell and the VAR team, and the process by which they reached it.
The defeat by Newcastle ended an unbeaten Premier League start for Arsenal, who are third in the table, one point off leaders Manchester City. Arteta has until Tuesday to respond to the charge.
