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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stood by both the club\u2019s and his own criticism of Premier League officiating after Arsenal\u2019s loss at Newcastle on Saturday as the Football Association asked for observations following the condemnation of referees.<\/p>\n
The Gunners lost 1-0 at St James\u2019 Park \u2013 their first Premier League defeat of the campaign \u2013 as Anthony Gordon scored a controversial winner for the hosts.<\/p>\n
The second-half goal was checked for three separate VAR offences \u2013 the ball going out of play, a foul by Joelinton on Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes and a potential offside \u2013 but survived them all to ultimately earn Newcastle the three points.<\/p>\n
Speaking after the defeat, Arteta said it was \u201cembarrassing\u201d and a \u201cdisgrace\u201d that the goal stood, while Arsenal issued a statement on Sunday in support of their manager\u2019s forthright views.<\/p>\n
However, the PA news agency understands Arteta and Arsenal could now be charged by the FA after the governing body wrote to both manager and club asking for their observations on the matter.<\/p>\n
The club have three business days to respond to the request before the FA makes its decision on whether to take no further action, remind Arsenal of their responsibilities, give out a formal warning or issue a charge.<\/p>\n
Arsenal could fall foul of breaching Rule E3.1 of the FA code, relating to media comments, but there is no specific punishment if they are found guilty.<\/p>\n
Asked before news of the FA getting in touch if he would have done anything differently, Arteta replied: \u201cIt is my duty to stand in front of you, to stand in front of the cameras, and give a very clear and honest assessment of what happened in the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd this is what I did, reflect very openly on how I felt that the team played and how the game was conditioned by this results with the decisions that were made. It is the duty.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy duty is to be defending my players, supporting my players, supporting my club, defending my people in the best possible way and this is what I am going to do time after time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do it, not the way I feel, (but) with the evidence and being as clear as possible. And I always do it, when we play real I need to say it, when we have lost, to take my responsibility, the first one is me to do it. It is the way that I am and I have to defend my club.\u201d<\/p>\n
Arteta suggested it is the duty of managers to discuss VAR and the issues it is currently presenting within the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you guys and everyone watching football are there, we have to give our opinion in an honest way and clear,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t talk about other things. Be very clear and respectful, but clear and honest and value what we have.<\/p>\n
\u201cErrors are part of evolution. The trajectory is never going to be like this (gestures straight up), there are always going to be bumps in the road and these things are necessary to improve the game in the right way.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we have to talk loudly. If you have a problem and you put it in your drawer, the problem is in the drawer and it\u2019s going to stink at some point. If you have a problem, let\u2019s talk about it, try to improve it. That\u2019s what we are trying to do. Nothing else.\u201d<\/p>\n
Arsenal\u2019s statement claimed \u201cyet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors\u201d occurred during the loss at Newcastle as the club \u201cwholeheartedly supports\u201d Arteta\u2019s comments, stating players, coaches and supporters \u201cdeserve better\u201d.<\/p>\n
The statement has been criticised in some quarters with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville labelling it \u201cdangerous\u201d.<\/p>\n
Arteta, though, believes it does not legitimise those who abuse referees for perceived poor decision-making against the club.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, the support we have given to everybody is not going to change. I will be in meetings trying to reinforce that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not the topic. Everyone wants the same thing, but we have to understand that we (managers) have to be there.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a duty to express how we feel with all the evidence we have and the history of what happened.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to stand for our people, our values and who we are. When the club has done it, it\u2019s been in very specific moments for the right reasons.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt shows the unity and understanding that is within the club to position ourselves in a really clear and honest way. That\u2019s our duty as a club.\u201d<\/p>\n
Arteta was speaking ahead of Arsenal\u2019s Champions League clash against Sevilla, where victory on Wednesday night could see his side qualify for the knockout stages with two Group B games to go.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe moment you have a chance in football to put it to bed, do it,\u201d he said of wrapping up qualification early.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to do a lot of things right tomorrow to earn the right to win it and against a really good team with enormous experience in this competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to prove it tomorrow in front of our people how excited we are to play that game and what it means for us.\u201d<\/p>\n