Premier League 2023-24: Arsenal’s Arteta defends his players after VAR controversy against Newcastle
The HinduArsenal manager Mikel Arteta remained unrepentant on Tuesday about his emotional outburst following his team’s 1-0 defeat by Newcastle United in the Premier League after which he labelled the officiating “embarrassing and a disgrace”. Arsenal issued a statement on Monday defending Arteta and said the club “deserved better”, adding that the officiating body, the PGMOL, urgently needed to address the standard of officiating. “This is what we are doing as a club, in the manager’s meetings, to give our opinions and our voices and to raise things in the most constructive way to get a better game.” Asked again about his conduct and whether his actions encouraged disrespect to referees, Arteta said: “You have to understand that we have to be there and if you guys want our opinion, then we have to give it in an honest way and clear. “Be clear and honest but respectful and value what we have and make sure we continue to evolve the game.” Arsenal could qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League if it beats Sevilla in Group B. Arteta’s side is top with six points, one more than Lens and four ahead of Sevilla.