Arsenal support Mikel Arteta after outburst on “disgraceful” Newcastle goal
Arsenal have publicly backed Mikel Arteta after the Gunners boss’ outburst against the referees following their controversial loss to Newcastle.
The Spaniard didn’t hold back with his criticism of the officials in his post match press conference and today his club have released a statement backing their manager and asking for the PGMOL to address the situation.
“It’s a disgrace,” Arteta told Sky Sports after the game. “It’s embarrassing. That’s how I feel and that’s how everybody feels in that [dressing] room. You cannot imagine the amount of messages we’ve got saying this cannot continue. It’s embarrassing. I’m sorry, embarrassing.”
“I feel sick. That’s how I feel. I feel sick to be part of this. It is not good enough and we cannot accept that.”
His comments came after the Gunners unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign came to an end at St. James’ Park following Anthony Gordon’s 64th minute strike. The goal was finally given after numerous VAR reviews to see firstly if the ball went out of play, secondly to see if there was a foul by Joelinton on Gabriel, thirdly whether Joelinton handled the ball and finally whether Anthony Gordon himself was offside.
However, despite a number of checks from every angle, the goal was awarded to the anger of the Arsenal players and Mikel Arteta, who added “The result should not be what it is! it’s a disgrace. “How this goal stands, in the Premier League… this league we say is the best in the world. I have been here 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed.”
This was not the first controversial moment of the game however, with both Kai Havertz and Bruno Guimaraes both avoiding further action after possible red card challenges in the first half and with VAR’s mistake not to award Luis Diaz’s goal against Tottenham at the end of September, they have once again come under scrutiny.
The PGMOL were forced to apologise to Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool after that incident and Arsenal have released the following statement asking for clarification on another huge moment in the Premier League so far this season.
“Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening.
We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park.
The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better. PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies.
We support the ongoing efforts of Chief Refereeing Officer, Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve the world-class officiating standards our league demands.”
