HomeArsenal boss Arteta avoids touchline ban over post-Newcastle comments

Arsenal boss Arteta avoids touchline ban over post-Newcastle comments

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Mikel Arteta has avoided a touchline ban over comments he made in the wake of Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United last month, with an independent commission finding a charge of misconduct against him to be not proven.

Arteta was charged by the Football Association (FA) in the aftermath of Arsenal’s loss at St James’ Park in early November, having criticised the decision to allow Anthony Gordon’s winning goal in a series of post-match interviews.

It was alleged that his comments were insulting towards the match officials, detrimental to the game or brought the game into disrepute.

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After the defeat – which was Arsenal’s first of the Premier League season – Arteta said he was “embarrassed” by the VAR’s decision to allow Gordon’s goal after Joelinton appeared to push Gabriel Magalhaes in the build-up.

The Spaniard called the decision “a disgrace” before adding: “This is nowhere near the level to describe this as the best league in the world. I am sorry.”

Arsenal subsequently released a statement supporting Arteta’s comments and calling for improvements in officiating standards.

However, the FA confirmed on Thursday that an independent commission had cleared the Gunners boss of the charge, concluding his comments did not imply incompetence on behalf of the officials or bring the game into disrepute.


It is understood that the FA will not appeal the outcome of the hearing.

Arteta served a one-match touchline ban during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, having been shown his third yellow card of the season during the celebrations which greeted Declan Rice’s stoppage-time winner against Luton Town last week.

The outcome of the hearing means Arteta will be free to oversee Arsenal’s upcoming games as usual, with the Gunners hosting Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday before visiting title rivals Liverpool for their final fixture before Christmas on December 23.

Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher
Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events.

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