Arsenal back Mikel Arteta rant with statement slamming ‘unacceptable refereeing’

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    Arsenal have released a club statement claiming the level of officiating during their game against Newcastle United was "unacceptable".

    The Gunners slipped to their first Premier League defeat of the season against the Magpies at St James' Park on Saturday night, losing 1-0 to Eddie Howe's side. However, Newcastle's second half strike, which came through Anthony Gordon, left Arsenal and Mikel Arteta fuming.

    The goal had to be checked by VAR for three separate infringements, all of which were eventually deemed to have been fine by the officials. First, the VAR checked to see whether the ball had gone out of play as Joe Willock chased a wild Jacob Murphy strike to keep it in.

    READ MORE:Technology proves Mikel Arteta has nothing to complain about over Newcastle goal

    READ MORE: Mikel Arteta goes on epic rant over ‘embarrassing’ Newcastle goal after three VAR checks

    Then there was a check on whether Joelinton pushed defender Gabriel in the back, prohibiting him from clearing Willock's cross. And finally, there was then a check on whether or not Gordon, who fired home from close range, was offside. All three decisions went in Newcastle's favour.

    Arsenal were also left incensed by the lack of punishment for Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes, who stuck Jorginho in the head, which should have seen the Brazilian heading down the tunnel at St James' Park. And following Arteta's huge post match rant, the Gunners have now released a club statement backing the Spaniard's claims.

    Do you think Anthony Gordon's goal should have stood? Tell us in the comments section below.

    The statement read: "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."

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    During his post match press conference, Arteta admitted to feeling "sick", whilst also claiming the decision to allow Gordon's goal to stand was a "disgrace" and "embarrassing".

    "How the hell did this goal stand up? It's embarrassing," said Arteta in the aftermath of the defeat. "It’s an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed to stand. It’s more than one reason. It is a disgrace. It is not a goal, simple. I feel sick to be part of this."

    The result means Arsenal now sit third in the Premier League, three points behind table toppers Manchester City, who beat Bournemouth 6-1 on Saturday, and two behind rivals Spurs, who play Chelsea on Monday night.

    • Arsenal FC
    • Mikel Arteta

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