Mikel Arteta has defended the comments he made regarding the officiating of the Newcastle game, highlighting the necessity for open dialogue to enhance refereeing standards.
Mikel Arteta has defended his recent comments on the standard of refereeing following his team’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United. The game’s only goal, scored by Anthony Gordon, was the subject of controversy due to several incidents in the build-up that were reviewed by VAR but ultimately, somehow, allowed to stand.
Arteta, speaking to the media on Tuesday, expressed no remorse for his candid critique of the officiating. He maintained it was his obligation to give an honest assessment of the match proceedings, especially when he believes the outcome was influenced by the decisions made.
“It is my duty to stand in front of you, to stand in front of the cameras and give a very clear and honest assessment of what happens in the game,” Arteta said.
The Arsenal manager underscored his responsibility to defend his players and the club, vowing to continue doing so unequivocally. He further explained that his approach includes acknowledging the team’s excellent play when it occurs, as well as accepting responsibility for any losses.
“This is what I did, reflect very openly how I felt that the team played and how they game was conditioned by this result with the decisions that were made. It’s the duty, my duty is defending my players, supporting my players, supporting my club, defending my people in the best possible way and this is what I’m going to do time after time.
“I do it the way I feel with the evidence and being as clear as possible and I always do it. When we play brilliantly, to say that, when we have lost, to take my responsibility, the first one me to do it. It’s the way that I am and I have to defend my club.
Arteta’s steadfastness comes despite a media onslaught after his initial outburst and a supportive statement released by Arsenal, which did not sit well with some in the press.
Yet, Arteta reiterated his stance that mistakes are an inherent part of football and stressed the club’s commitment to improving the game and refereeing standards through constructive dialogue.
“You know, the trajectory is never going to be like this [upwards],” he said. “There are always bumps along the road and maybe these things are very necessary to improve the game in the right way. And that’s it. But we have to talk loudly.”
He also acknowledged the cumulative frustration that led to his reaction, hinting at dissatisfaction with how officials have adjudicated various incidents in previous matches.
“You have a problem and you put it there in a drawer, the problem is that the drawer is going to stink at some moment. If we have a problem, let’s talk about it, let’s try to improve it and let’s try to in a very constructive way, try to improve it. That’s it. That’s what we are trying to do. Nothing else.
“Some things don’t happen overnight,” he admitted. “When it was that clear and I had all the evidence for the words that I used in the media, it’s because I feel strongly about them.”