The PGMOL has been often criticised for their alleged limitations in the current Premier League season. This criticism was highlighted by a recent high-profile error during the Tottenham vs. Liverpool match. However, VAR have stood their ground and justified their decision against Arsenal.
Just recently, Arsenal was ‘at war’ with Premier League refs following a crucial decision given against them in their encounter against Newcastle. However, Mikel Arteta’s comment, supported by Arsenal FC were collectively criticised by the officials and even former Premier League players.
FA charge Mikel Arteta with misconduct
Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, has been charged by the Football Association for comments made following Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle earlier this month. Arteta criticized VAR’s failure to disallow Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park, branding it “an absolute disgrace.”
The FA statement reads, “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.”
VAR conducted a triple check to assess whether the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock’s cross, if Joelinton had committed a foul on Gabriel, the Arsenal defender, and whether Gordon had been offside, and they found that the ball was still in play, with no foul whatsoever committed.
Howard Webb had previously dismissed Arteta’s complaints, asserting that VAR correctly handled all three reviews of Gordon’s goal. Webb, the chief refereeing officer of PGMOL, addressed the controversy in a “Match Officials: Mic’d Up” session on Tuesday, where audio between the referee and VAR at St James’ Park was broadcast.
Arteta now has until next Tuesday to respond to the charge.
Mikel Arteta’s rant on VAR’s decision
There were controversies on whether or not the ball which led to Newcastle’s win over Arsenal had gone out of play. VAR had a crucial decision in their hands, eventually concluding that the goal would stand.
Following this decision, Arteta could not hide his anger, saying, “You have to talk about how the hell did this goal stand up? Incredible. I feel embarrassed. I have to now come in here and try to defend the club and please ask for help, because it’s an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed. An absolute disgrace.”
Supporting Mikel Arteta’s position, Arsenal issued a statement the following day, saying the club “wholeheartedly” supported Arteta’s comments. They continued saying, “The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better,”
“PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies.”
Mikel Arteta has been given an ultimatum to respond to the charges against him. What do you think his response would be? Let us know in the comment section.
