LONDON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been charged by the Football Association over an explosive VAR rant following his side鈥檚 controversial defeat against Newcastle.
Arteta said the VAR decision not to disallow Anthony Gordon鈥檚 goal in the 1-0 loss at St. James鈥� Park earlier this month was embarrassing and an 鈥渁bsolute disgrace.鈥�
鈥淢ikel Arteta has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.1 following comments that he made in media interviews after Arsenal鈥檚 Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday, November 4,鈥� an FA statement said on Thursday.
鈥淚t鈥檚 alleged that his comments constitute misconduct as they are insulting toward match officials and/or detrimental to the game and/or bring the game into disrepute.鈥�
VAR checked to see whether the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock鈥檚 cross, whether Joelinton had fouled Arsenal defender Gabriel and whether Gordon had been offside.
All three decisions went in Newcastle鈥檚 favor, even though the ball appeared to have gone out, while Joelinton clearly pushed Gabriel in the back.
Arteta could not hide his anger after the match, saying: 鈥淵ou have to talk about how the hell did this goal stand up? Incredible. I feel embarrassed.
鈥淚 have to now come in here and try to defend the club and please ask for help because it鈥檚 an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed. An absolute disgrace.鈥�
In the aftermath of their manager鈥檚 blast, Arsenal issued a statement the following day saying the club 鈥渨holeheartedly鈥� supported the Spaniard.
鈥淭he Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better,鈥� said the statement.
鈥淧GMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies.鈥�