Mikel Arteta took over as Arsenal’s head coach in December 2019.
Despite facing a charge from the Football Association, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has declared he will not shy away from sharing his opinions about refereeing decisions.
Arteta is awaiting a decision on whether he will be penalized for remarks he made following Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle on November 4.
He described the Video Assistant Referee’s (VAR) failure to reverse Anthony Gordon’s game-winning goal as “a complete travesty.”
“I’m going to keep speaking out. I believe it’s important to stay true to yourself, and as a leader, you need to be genuine,” Arteta stated.
“You can’t pretend to be someone else, and this is just who I am.”
Check out our exclusive Arsenal section for more fan insights
Receive exclusive Arsenal updates
At 41, Arteta has officially relayed his stance to the FA regarding his comments on Gordon’s decisive goal in the 64th minute, which halted Arsenal’s undefeated run in the Premier League.
Three VAR checks were conducted during the game, examining whether the ball went out of play, if a foul occurred, and if there was an offside, with all decisions favoring Newcastle.
Speaking to the media on Friday before their game against Brentford, Arteta emphasized the significance of free speech and expressed his belief that open communication can enhance refereeing quality.
“We’ve shared our views with the FA and we’ll aim to explain our perspective and the underlying reasons, but there’s not much else I can say,” Arteta added.
“When you’re requested to provide your observations, you need to do it properly and follow the necessary process.
“It’s positive that we’re engaging in dialogue, and we all are working towards improving the sport. Referees, managers, officials, sporting directors, and journalists, we all strive for a better game.
“To achieve this, we need the freedom to speak freely, respectfully, and constructively. This should be encouraged.
“It’s beneficial to have these discussions publicly about decisions as it provides clarity.”
Arsenal, currently third in the league, is set to face Brentford at 17:30 GMT on Saturday.
Stay up-to-date with our comprehensive Arsenal coverage – here’s all you need to know to ensure you don’t miss out on anything
Your go-to source for everything Arsenal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mikel Arteta Refereeing Comments
Why is Mikel Arteta facing a charge from the Football Association?
Mikel Arteta is facing a charge from the FA due to his critical comments about the Video Assistant Referee’s decision, which he called a “complete travesty,” following Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on November 4.
What is Arteta’s stance on speaking about refereeing decisions?
Arteta maintains that he will continue to express his views on refereeing decisions. He emphasizes the importance of being authentic and true to oneself as a leader.
What incident led to Arteta’s comments and subsequent FA charge?
The incident involves Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 64th minute of the Arsenal vs. Newcastle match, which ended Arsenal’s unbeaten run. Arteta criticized the VAR for not overturning the goal.
How has Arteta responded to the FA charge?
Arteta has formally submitted his thoughts to the FA regarding his comments. He believes in the importance of freedom of speech and constructive communication to improve refereeing standards.
What are Arteta’s views on public discussions about refereeing?
Arteta supports public discussions about refereeing decisions, as he believes it brings clarity and is essential for the improvement of the game. He advocates for respectful and constructive freedom of speech.
When is Arsenal’s next match following Arteta’s comments?
Following Arteta’s comments, Arsenal’s next match is scheduled against Brentford at 17:30 GMT on Saturday.
More about Mikel Arteta Refereeing Comments
- Arsenal Official Website
- Premier League News
- Football Association (FA) Updates
- VAR Decision Analysis
- Arsenal Match Schedule
- Mikel Arteta Biography
- Premier League Refereeing Standards
5 comments
Arteta needs to chill, refs are human too man… not every call is gonna go your way
Seems like a fair point by Arteta, but will it change anything? doubtful… refs got a tough job as is.
About time someone called out VAR, it’s been a mess this season. Go Arteta!
Interesting to see a manager stand his ground like this, could set a precedent for others to speak up more?
Arteta’s comments could spark a bigger convo about refereeing in the league, worth keeping an eye on this.