Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta charged by FA for post match comments in Newcastle United defeat

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been charged by the Football Association for his post-match comments which were made after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United earlier this month.

The loss at St James’ Park was the Gunners’ first defeat of the season and the match was decided by a second-half strike from Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon.

The match-winning goal had three separate VAR checks to judge if the ball was in play, whether a foul had taken place and if Gordon was onside at the time of the goal. All three decisions were adjudged in Newcastle’s favour, much to the frustration of Arteta, who went on to launch a scathing attack on the VAR officials and the referee in his post-match press conference.

During the interview on Saturday 4 November, he described the decision to allow Newcastle’s goal as “embarrassing” and “a disgrace”. Three days later the Spaniard doubled down on his comments and claimed it was his “duty” to give a “clear and honest assessment” of what he thought at the time.

"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," the FA statement said.

Arteta has been given until next Tuesday to respond to the charge. Arsenal backed up their manager with a statement after the game. They said: "Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening. We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better. PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies. We support the ongoing efforts of Chief Refereeing Officer, Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve the world-class officiating standards our league demands."

Arsenal are currently third in the table with 27 points from their opening 12 games. The North London giants, who are one point behind league leaders’ Manchester City, return to action on Saturday 25 November when they take on 11th place Brentford away from home.