By Kieran Lynch For Mailonline
Published: | Updated:
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta insists it’s important to have ‘freedom of speech’ in a respectful and constructive way after he was hit with a VAR charge over comments he made following their defeat to Newcastle.
The Gunners boss branded the VAR decision not to rule out Anthony Gordon‘s goal in his side’s 1-0 defeat as ‘an absolute disgrace’.
He was hit with a charge, which initially he had until Tuesday to offer his response, though that was extended until today at the Gunners’ request.
Arteta was asked about the charge, as well as a number of other topics including former club Everton‘s ten-point deduction, in his press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brentford.
When asked about his charge, he confirmed that he had sent his observations to the FA and said: ‘We tried to give our points and our reasons why. There is a process and when you get asked to give your observations you have to do it in the right way. ‘
Mikel Arteta addressed his FA charge ahead of his side’s clash against Brentford on Saturday
Arteta branded Newcastle’s winner against the Gunners this month as ‘an absolute disgrace’
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Asked whether it was unfair, he added: ‘I think it’s good that we’re communicating.
‘We all want to improve the game. To have that we have to have freedom of speech respectfully and in a constructive way. It’s good that they are talking.’
Mail Sport reported on Thursday that Arsenal were infuriated that Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi was only to receive a warning for saying he dislikes ’80 percent of referees’.
It was understood Arsenal may cite De Zerbi’s comments in their defence of Arteta, feeling it shows double standards and that they are being singled out.
The fallout over comments made by managers comes as Mail Sport this week launched our campaign calling on all of football to show respect towards referees, from the Premier League to grassroots.
Meanwhile, Arteta also addressed Everton’s punishment for breaching financial rules in his press conference.
The Spaniard made 209 appearances for the Toffees between 2005 and 2011.
Arteta said: ‘I feel very connected to the club. It’s a very difficult moment. It puts the club in very difficult positions.
‘They always find a way to get out. If there’s a quality that describes that club it’s their fight. They will fight against anything and I wish them the best.’
Arteta said Everton ‘always find a way to get out’ of trouble after their ten-point deduction
Arteta (right) made over 200 appearances for the Toffees between 2005 and 2011
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says there needs to be ‘freedom of speech in a respectful and constructive way’ following his FA charge… and insists Everton ‘always find a way to get out’ of difficult positions after ten-point deduction








