Mikel Arteta, the fiery Arsenal boss known for his candid comments, has declared that he won’t hold back when it comes to speaking his mind about refereeing decisions, even in the face of a Football Association charge. Arteta’s resolve comes in the wake of his criticism of the video assistant referee’s decision not to overturn Anthony Gordon’s winner during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat by Newcastle on 4 November. He didn’t mince his words, labeling the decision “an absolute disgrace.”
In a world where many coaches and managers choose to tread carefully when it comes to criticizing referees, Arteta’s outspokenness is refreshing. He firmly believes in being authentic and true to himself, asserting, “You cannot be someone you are not, and this is who I am.” It’s a stance that resonates with those who value honesty and transparency in sports.
Arteta has taken the formal route by submitting his thoughts to the FA regarding his comments on the controversial goal. The game saw three VAR checks, all of which went in favor of Newcastle, ultimately ending Arsenal’s unbeaten start in the Premier League.
Addressing the importance of freedom of speech and communication in improving refereeing standards, Arteta stressed the need for respectful and constructive discourse among all stakeholders, from managers and officials to journalists. He believes that open discussions about decisions in front of the media can bring clarity to the game.
Arteta’s commitment to speaking his mind echoes similar sentiments from other managers in the Premier League. Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi, despite receiving a formal warning from the FA for his remarks about England’s referees, remains resolute in expressing his opinions while respecting others.
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, will serve a touchline ban after accumulating three yellow cards this season. However, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure even when officials make mistakes. Ten Hag sees the ban as an opportunity to have a better overview of the game.
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, acknowledges the need for consequences when managers behave poorly but believes that overall, managers’ behavior is improving. He emphasizes that managers represent not only themselves but also the institutions they lead.
Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s manager, points out the frustration that can arise due to VAR decisions, where referees are sometimes not responsible for the calls. He advocates for more involvement of coaches in shaping refereeing guidelines, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts throughout the season.
In a league where emotions run high, managers like Arteta, De Zerbi, Ten Hag, Guardiola, and Pochettino are unafraid to express their views, adding a layer of passion and authenticity to the world of football. While they may face consequences for their candidness, they believe it’s a necessary step in the pursuit of a fair and transparent game. As fans, we can appreciate their commitment to improving the sport we love while staying true to themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Refereeing Comments
What did Mikel Arteta say about refereeing decisions, and why is he facing an FA charge?
Mikel Arteta criticized the video assistant referee’s decision not to overturn Anthony Gordon’s winning goal in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat by Newcastle. He called it “an absolute disgrace.” He is facing an FA charge for these comments.
How does Arteta justify his outspokenness on refereeing decisions?
Arteta believes in being authentic and true to himself as a leader. He emphasizes the importance of freedom of speech and respectful, constructive discourse to improve refereeing standards.
Are other Premier League managers also speaking out about referees?
Yes, several other Premier League managers, including Roberto de Zerbi, Erik ten Hag, Pep Guardiola, and Mauricio Pochettino, have expressed their opinions on refereeing decisions and VAR. Some have faced warnings or bans, but they remain committed to sharing their views.
What is the common theme among these managers in their approach to refereeing criticism?
The common theme is a dedication to transparency and fairness in football. They believe that open discussions and constructive criticism can lead to improvements in refereeing and the overall quality of the game.
More about Refereeing Comments
- Mikel Arteta faces FA charge for referee comments
- Managers speaking out about refereeing decisions
- Roberto de Zerbi’s criticism of England’s referees
- Erik ten Hag’s touchline ban
- Pep Guardiola’s view on manager behavior
- Mauricio Pochettino’s call for coach involvement in refereeing
4 comments
Emotions run high in football, managers showin’ their passion. Consequences? Yeah. But they’re fightin’ for a fair game. Props to ’em!
I agree with the managers, refs can be real ‘eadscratchers sometimes. VAR messes things up, but they got rights to say what they think.
wowza! Arteta be like, “I ain’t holding back, dudes!” Speaks his mind bout ref calls, gets in hot water with FA. Respect!
De Zerbi, Ten Hag, Guardiola, and Pochettino ain’t holdin’ back either. They think talkin’ ’bout refs is important. Keep it real, folks!