The Football Association (FA) has formally requested statements from both Arsenal and their manager, Mikel Arteta, amidst the escalating dispute stemming from Arteta’s critique of refereeing standards.
Arteta vehemently criticized the decision to allow Newcastle’s winning goal against his team, labelling it as “embarrassing” and a “disgrace” in the aftermath of their Saturday defeat.
The club’s leadership responded with a strongly-worded statement the following day, supporting their manager and addressing the quality of refereeing in the Premier League.
This development potentially places Arsenal in a position where they may face charges from the governing body.
The FA’s regulations are designed to prevent actions that could tarnish the reputation of the sport.
According to FA rule E3.1, “A participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour.”
Arteta and Arsenal now have a window of three business days to provide their responses to the FA’s request for observations. Subsequently, the FA will take an additional three business days to determine whether to proceed with an official charge, issue a formal warning, assign additional responsibilities, or take no further action, depending on the circumstances.
If a charge is indeed issued, Arteta and Arsenal will have another three business days to offer their response. Following this, a commission hearing will be scheduled, typically occurring 10 business days after the FA receives their response.
It is worth noting that there are no specific predefined penalties if they are charged and found to be in violation of rule E3.1.
Arteta expressed his frustration when Anthony Gordon’s goal was granted, even after extensive VAR checks conducted by Andy Madley.
Madley reviewed three separate incidents leading up to the goal before confirming referee Stuart Attwell’s decision to award it.
In a post-match press conference, Arteta passionately criticized the decision, stating, “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.”
Arteta went on to highlight by adding “Because it’s not a goal, for many reasons it’s not a goal, for more than one reason at least it’s not a goal. And there’s too much at stake here, we put in so much effort, and it’s so difficult to compete at this level.”
“And it’s an absolute disgrace. Again, I feel embarrassed, I’ve be 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.”
“I don’t want to be in the hands of people. I have to stand here now and explain, And we lost three points today, guys. You know what that means? It’s too hard, this league, it’s too hard, there is too much at stake. It’s embarrassing.”
Arsenal performance and stats
Arsenal is currently 1st in the Champions League with 6 points.
In the last 3 games, it has won twice and lost once. In its last match, Arsenal won 1-2 against Sevilla.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 7 goals and conceding 3.
Arsenal will play the next match in Champions League against Sevilla on Wednesday 8th of November in London. The prediction is Arsenal winning the match.