Arteta comes out fighting on FA ban and launches into defiant defence of actions

24 November 2023 , 22:30

550     0

Arteta comes out fighting on FA ban and launches into defiant defence of actions

Mikel Arteta insists he has always promoted English football "in the best possible manner" as he took exception to the reaction to his refereeing rant at Newcastle.

The Arsenal boss called the officials "embarrassing" and "a disgrace" in a remarkable post-match interview following his side's 1-0 defeat at St James' Park earlier this month, when Anthony Gordon's winner survived VAR checks for three separate incidents before it was allowed to stand.

A livid Arteta continued to take aim at the officials during his post-match media duties for television and the written press, and despite being backed by a club statement from Arsenal the following day he was subsequently charged by the FA for his comments.

Having requested a personal hearing, Arteta is set to argue his case with the FA in the next 10 days, and he says it is unfair to judge him on the Newcastle comments when he feels he has been a strong supporter of English football during his years as a player for Everton and Arsenal, a coach at Manchester City and now the manager of the Gunners.

"I have been here 20 years and have always supported the league, the players, the referees. I have promoted the game, always in the best possible manner. I expect that if you are going to continue to do that you have to give your opinion," said Arteta prior to Saturday evening's visit to Brentford.

Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured

Arteta insists he won't change his approach (PA)

"I have given hundreds of opinions but if you want to isolate one, in one moment, to talk about something that I believe and use it in a different way I don’t think that’s fair."

Arteta added that he won't change his emotional approach to the game despite the criticism he has received, adding that it is passion such as his which makes fans fall in love with football.

"We live the game with emotion. I react when a player scores a goal. I react when a player gives a ball away. I react to a physio when he wants to fly on the pitch and give treatment and I’m saying, ‘no wait'," he continued.

"We live a game that is passionate and we play to win. And it has to happen. You have to react. Let’s sit down here in the theatre and be on mute and see if this league and this game is that interesting. It won’t be. That’s what makes it special."

Mark Jones