November 7th 2023.
Mikel Arteta is standing firm in his outburst against refereeing and VAR decisions, insisting that Arsenal will not back down. After the Gunners' 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday, Arteta was widely criticized for his remarks about English officiating and VAR. Despite this, Arsenal released a statement in support of their manager, to which Arteta expressed his gratitude.
"It was great from my point of view," Arteta said. "I said it's my duty to stand in front of you guys and give what I think and then the club has got many options, and they decided to do that one. I really appreciate it. I think the players did, everybody at the club did. It showed again that we are one and ready for anything that comes across to fight it in the best possible way. I and the club would do it again until this is right."
Arteta is now asking other Premier League managers to join the fight against the 'stink' surrounding VAR. "If you have a problem and you put it in your drawer, the problem is still there and at some point it's going to stink," he said. "So we have to talk loudly to improve things and that’s what we are trying to do. When we are all together for the managers’ meetings, we all share the same feelings about this. And I am sure I have the support of those managers when they are not directly affected by these decisions."
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has defended Arteta over his rant and Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has hit out at other Premier League managers who call VAR a 'disgrace' when decisions go against them. The Football Association has written to both Arteta and Arsenal and there could be a charge depending on how talks progress.
It is clear that Arteta is determined to ensure that the right decisions are being made, and is not afraid to fight for it. He has been backed by his team and other managers, and Arsenal are set to produce a list of decisions that have gone against them as the referee row escalates.
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