Mikel Arteta Speaks Out After Escaping FA Sanctions Over VAR Outburst

Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has broken his silence regarding his recent outburst about the VAR controversy during Arsenal’s match against Newcastle in November.

In a meeting with an independent regulatory commission, Arteta escaped punishment for his fiery comments about the contentious decision that allowed Anthony Gordon’s goal to stand.

Initially charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) for his remarks labelling the decision “embarrassing” and a “disgrace,” Arteta was under scrutiny for potentially insulting match officials and bringing the game into disrepute. However, the independent commission found the charge unproven, emphasizing that Arteta did not intend to insult the officials.

Arteta commended the commission’s process, stating, “It was a really good, well-run process. He highlighted the pressures managers face, expressing empathy for the importance of match outcomes in their roles.”

Responding to whether he would repeat his comments, Arteta reflected, “In life, that’s too easy. What would I have done if I knew? I defended my opinion.”

He stressed the need to improve the game constructively and openly discuss its challenges.

When asked about the fairness of the charge, Arteta emphasized the duty managers have to represent themselves positively every day.

Earlier remarks from Arteta after the Newcastle defeat revealed his frustration: “It is embarrassing, it’s an absolute disgrace, that’s what it is: a disgrace. There’s so much at stake, we’ve put in so many hours to compete at the highest level.”

After serving a one-game touchline ban, Arteta will return to manage Arsenal against Brighton. He acknowledged the need to control his emotions better, acknowledging that his agitation might sometimes portray an image not ideal for the club.

Arteta aims to strike a balance between defending his team and presenting himself in a manner aligned with the club’s values, especially in the heat of the moment during intense matches.

The Gunners’ boss looks forward to leading his team against Brighton, striving to channel his passion constructively while representing Arsenal with dignity.