Arsenal have released a statement in support of Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after the Spaniard hit out at the standard of officiating in the Premier League.
Arteta slammed the officials following Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday evening, a result which ended the Gunners’ unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign.
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The Arsenal boss was furious with the decision to allow Anthony Gordon’s winner to stand, after a VAR check that saw three separate incidents checked before the goal was given. In his post-match interview, Arteta repeatedly called the decision a ‘disgrace’.
“I feel embarrassed. But I have to be the one now coming here to try to defend the club and please ask for help because it’s an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed, it’s an absolute disgrace.
“Because it’s not a goal, for many reasons it’s not a goal, for more than one reason at least it’s not a goal. And there’s too much at stake here, we put in so much effort, and it’s so difficult to compete at this level. And it’s an absolute disgrace. Again, I feel embarrassed, I’ve be more than 20 years in this country, and this is nowhere near the level to describe this as the best league in the world. I am sorry.”
Arteta could face action for his critical comments towards the officials, but Arsenal have released a statement in defence of the manager and have said the club ‘wholeheartedly supports’ his post-match comments.
‘Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,’ the statement read.
‘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’.
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