Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces charges from the Football Association following an impassioned critique of VAR in the aftermath of his team’s contentious loss to Newcastle.
Arteta expressed his frustration and disbelief over three pivotal decisions that favored Newcastle, questioning the validity of Joe Willock’s cross, the alleged foul by Joelinton on Arsenal defender Gabriel, and the potential offside position of Gordon.
Despite clear instances of the ball going out and Joelinton’s push on Gabriel, all decisions favored Newcastle.
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Arteta, visibly angered, couldn’t conceal his emotions, stating, “You must address how on earth this goal was allowed to stand? Unbelievable. I feel genuinely embarrassed.”
Furious at the decision made by referee Stuart Attwell and VAR Andy Madley, Mikel Arteta vehemently criticized the judgment as “embarrassing” and a “disgrace.”
In response, Arsenal issued a statement that many perceived as provocative, staunchly supporting the manager and submitting a “dossier” of perceived unfair decisions against them to bolster Arteta’s position.
Arteta, undeterred, reinforced his stance two days later, suggesting a dubious quality about the decisions that led some to speculate on a possible conspiracy against Arsenal.
The Football Association has now taken action, stepping in after Arteta provided his “observations” in response to an initial inquiry from disciplinary authorities at Wembley.
In a statement on Thursday, the FA said: “Mikel Arteta has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.1 following comments that he made in media interviews after Arsenal’s Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday 4 November.”
“It’s alleged that his comments constitute misconduct as they are insulting towards match officials and/or detrimental to the game and/or bring the game into disrepute.”
“Mikel Arteta has until Tuesday 21 November to provide a response to this charge.”
A resolution on the punishment for Mikel Arteta’s charges is expected before Arsenal’s next Premier League fixture against Brentford on November 25.
While a complete stadium suspension is less probable, a touchline ban appears more likely. Arteta may aim for a lighter outcome, such as a fine and a warning, if he acknowledges the charge.
Officials from PGMOL expressed strong displeasure with Arteta’s comments, deeming them entirely inappropriate.
Howard Webb, the head of referees, also supported Stuart Attwell and Andy Madley during the recent “Match Officials Mik’d Up” broadcast review of the incident.
