Mikel Arteta’s outspoken criticism of the refereeing display at St James’ Park has prompted the Football Association (FA) to consider sending a letter to Arsenal, seeking their observations on the matter. The extraordinary rant followed a controversial goal by Anthony Gordon, with Arteta labeling the VAR decision as an “absolute disgrace” and the refereeing standards as “embarrassing.”
The FA, having adopted a strict stance against abuse directed at officials this season, intends to assess whether Arteta’s comments breach regulations. Players can now be booked for surrounding the referee, and post-match comments may lead to charges if they are deemed personally offensive, imply bias, or are particularly unreasonable.
While Arteta and Arsenal believe they have not violated any rules, the explosive language used may still put them at odds with the FA’s stringent approach. Arsenal’s public statement, expressing wholehearted agreement with Arteta’s remarks, mirrors a similar move by Liverpool in September, highlighting concerns over VAR decisions affecting sporting integrity.
Gary Neville, commenting on the situation, found both Arsenal’s and Liverpool’s statements to be potentially risky. Arteta, standing firm, emphasized his duty to defend his players and club, pledging to continue doing so with evidence and clarity. He acknowledged the inevitability of mistakes in football but expressed a commitment to voice opinions constructively in managers’ meetings for the betterment of the game.
In essence, the FA’s scrutiny of Arteta’s comments reflects a broader effort to maintain respect for officials and uphold the integrity of the sport. As Arteta stands resolute in defending his team, the outcome of this exchange with the FA remains uncertain, with potential repercussions for the manager and the club.