20 February 2023 , 18:38
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Mikel Arteta has been criticised for mocking referee Simon Hooper during Arsenal's 4-2 win at Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners boss appeared to mimic Hooper after the referee refused to let a free kick be taken while the ball was moving. After blowing his whistle to stop the play, Hooper signalled to indicate the ball was not stationary - an action Arteta sarcastically copied.
Former Premier League striker Stan Collymore was not impressed with Arteta's antics and has claimed the Spaniard was "taking the p***" out of Hooper. Arteta has previously been criticised for his touchline behaviour and has admitted he "can do better".
Speaking to Caught Offside, Collymore has urged the Football Association and other governing bodies to stamp out such behaviour. "I understand why they do it, I get that they want to give their team a competitive edge but I don’t like it," said Collymore.
"We’re struggling to get enough top-quality officials into the game as it is and it’s no wonder why when they see a Premier League manager openly and unnecessarily mocking a referee in the middle of a game like we saw Arteta doing to Hooper on Saturday."
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Collymore claimed the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho have also shown a lack of respect to Premier League referees in the past. He wants officials to be "shown a certain level of respect" because such behaviour will hamper the profession.
Simon Hooper stopped Arsenal from taking a quick free kick (BeinSport/Twitter)What do you make of Mikel Arteta's touchline behaviour? Let us know in the comments below!
Collymore added: "The next generation of referees will probably be looking at the kind of incidents on the weekend involving Arteta and be thinking, 'We’re allowed to be mocked and we can’t say anything back, what’s the point?'"
Arteta mimicked Hopper in the 90th minute of Saturday afternoon's game, with the score at 2-2. An own goal from Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and a strike from Gabriel Martinelli snatched the points for the visitors in added time.
Arteta's frustration was understandable. The Gunners are trying to win a first Premier League title in 19 years and a draw against Villa would have hampered their bid. Arsenal are two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table with a game in hand.
Arteta's actions divided opinion on social media. Some fans found them funny - with one describing the Arsenal manager as "comedy gold" - while others sided with Collymore.
Speaking last month, Arteta said: "I focus on things I can do better. For sure, there are things I can do better and let the referees take the game and be in charge of that. I need to look at myself in the mirror sometimes and try to find the right balance.
"I love the game, I am very passionate about it and I love to win more than anything else and that’s the way I live the match. But again, if there is something you can do better, you can at least try that."