Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta appeared unrepentant about his emotional comments following his team's 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United in the Premier League, describing the refereeing decisions in the match as "shameful." In speaking before his team's home match in the UEFA Champions League against Sevilla, the Spanish manager stated that he would do the same repeatedly.
He addressed reporters, saying, "It is my duty to stand before you and the cameras and to express my opinion clearly and honestly about what happens in the match, and that is what I did and what I said candidly." Arteta indicated that "the decisions made determined the outcome of the match, and it was my duty to defend my players and support them, as well as the club, and to defend it in the best way possible. This is what I will do repeatedly in the way I feel is appropriate and with the evidence available."
Arsenal suffered its first loss in the Premier League this season after the referee awarded Newcastle a goal despite a lengthy review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) searching for three potential fouls during the buildup to the goal. Arsenal issued a statement on Monday defending Arteta, stating that the club "deserves better," adding that the English referees' association urgently needs to review officiating standards.
Arteta remarked, "I share the same view that mistakes are part of football, but we are striving to improve the game in every way we can; this is what the club does in coaching meetings. We present our views and raise various issues to rectify things constructively."
In response to a question about his behavior and whether his actions encourage disrespect towards referees, Arteta said, "You need to understand that this is our duty. If you want our opinion, we must provide it honestly and clearly."
Arsenal will secure a spot in the Champions League Round of 16 if they win against Sevilla in Group B. Arteta's team tops the group with six points, one point ahead of Lens and four points clear of Sevilla.
