Mikel Arteta charged by FA following post-match rant at officials after Arsenal defeat to Newcastle

Mikel Arteta has been charged by the FA for his comments after Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle earlier this month.

The Arsenal manager launched a scathing attack on the standard of officiating in the Premier League following his side’s 1-0 loss at St. James’ Park on November 4.

Arteta was livid after Anthony Gordon’s winning goal for Newcastle survived three separate VAR checks.

The Spaniard said it was an “absolute disgrace” and he was “sick to be part of this” as he tore into officials.

“We have to talk about the result because you have to talk about how they help these goals stand up, and it's incredible,” said Arteta. “I feel embarrassed. I feel sick to be part of this.

“But I have to be the one now coming here to try to defend the club and please ask for help because it's an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed, it's an absolute disgrace.”

Arteta has now been charged by the FA. It is alleged his comments constitute misconduct as they are insulting towards match officials and bring the game into disrepute. He has until Tuesday next week to respond to the charge.

An FA statement on Thursday evening read: “Mikel Arteta has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.1 following comments that he made in media interviews after Arsenal’s Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday 4 November.

“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.

“Mikel Arteta has until Tuesday 21 November to provide a response to this charge.”

Gordon’s goal in the 64th minute survived three separate VAR checks: the ball possibly being out of play when Joe Willock kept it in on the touchline, a possible foul by Joelinton on Gabriel and a possible offside against Gordon.

Arteta was furious at the goal standing, although the Premier League’s Independent Key Match Incidents Panel has ruled that referee Stuart Attwell and VAR were correct in their decision to award the goal.