Mikel Arteta has been charged with misconduct by the FA for his comments following Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United earlier this month.
Anthony Gordon’s 64th-minute winner at St James’ Park was checked for three separate infringements by VAR before finally being given, leading to a furious response from Arteta after the game.
In his post-match press conference, Arteta told reporters: “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.
“I feel embarrassed, I’ve been 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.”
Regulation and Discipline update on @Arsenal: pic.twitter.com/LM0srmv7tD
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) November 16, 2023
Arsenal released a statement the following day saying the club “wholeheartedly” backed their manager’s comments, but the FA has now responded by charging the Spaniard.
The FA’s statement read: “Mikel Arteta has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.1 following comments that he made in media interviews after Arsenal’s Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday, November 4.
“It’s alleged that his comments constitute misconduct as they are insulting towards match officials and/or detrimental to the game and/or bring the game into disrepute.”
Arteta has until Tuesday to respond to the charge, facing a potential touchline ban with Arsenal’s next game coming away at Brentford after the international break.
