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.
Read our other football news stories here:
Turkish Super Lig to restart next week following attack on referee
Postecoglou: ‘Clumsy’ Romero must adapt to avoid further reds
Emenalo rules out renewed move from Saudi for Liverpool’s Salah
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.
An independent Regulatory Commission has found the charge against Mikel Arteta for an alleged breach of FA Rule E3.1 to be not proven.
Full statement and written reasons: https://t.co/FwU9alYUjY pic.twitter.com/h2ts9SuSdt
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) December 14, 2023
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.