Arsenal release a strong statement on Arteta and controversy in Newcastle game

Arsenal Football Club has released a statement on their official website addressing the controversial incident that occurred during their recent defeat against Newcastle United. The statement also acknowledges Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments, in which he criticized the match officials.

The club expressed its full support for Arteta’s remarks, stating that they agree with his assessment of the unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors witnessed during the game. Arsenal believes that such mistakes have become all too common in football and need to be urgently addressed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).

Despite the disappointing result, Arsenal commended the tremendous effort and performance displayed by their players and traveling supporters at St James’ Park. The club recognizes the dedication of both players and fans and believes they deserve better treatment from match officials.

The statement emphasizes that the Premier League is widely regarded as the best league in the world, boasting exceptional players, coaches, and supporters. Therefore, it is crucial for officiating standards to match this level of excellence. Arsenal calls upon PGMOL to focus on taking action that moves beyond retrospective analysis, attempted explanations, and apologies.

Furthermore, Arsenal expressed its support for Chief Refereeing Officer Howard Webb’s ongoing efforts to improve officiating standards. The club also expressed its willingness to collaborate with Webb in order to achieve world-class officiating standards that align with the demands of the Premier League.

In terms of their league position, Arsenal currently sits in 3rd place on the Premier League table with 24 points this season. Their recent game against Newcastle United ended in a 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park, marking their first loss in the league this campaign. Despite missing an opportunity to potentially top the table, Arsenal remains determined to close the gap on their rivals.

Looking ahead, Arsenal’s next fixture will be against Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. The club aims to bounce back from their recent defeat and continue their pursuit of success both domestically and internationally.

In conclusion, Arsenal Football Club stands firmly behind Mikel Arteta’s criticism of match officials following their defeat against Newcastle United. They believe that urgent action is required from PGMOL to address refereeing errors and improve officiating standards across all Premier League matches.