Following Arsenal’s unexpected defeat to Newcastle, Mikel Arteta didn’t hold back in expressing his dissatisfaction with the officiating referees. He criticized the decisions that led to their unbeaten run coming to an end and emphasized his duty to defend and support his players and club.
When questioned about his comments on Premier League officiating before the UEFA Champions League game against Sevilla, Arteta reiterated his responsibility to provide a clear and honest assessment of the game. He stressed the importance of standing up for his team and people, maintaining transparency and openness in his approach.
Addressing his choice of words regarding Liverpool’s VAR-related issues in the game against Tottenham, Arteta stood by the notion that mistakes are inherent in football. He emphasized the collective effort to constructively improve the game, expressing a commitment to providing opinions and raising concerns in a constructive manner to enhance the overall football experience.
Looking ahead, Arsenal is set to face Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League before hosting Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday, November 11, 2023.