Michael Owen slams 'classless' Arsenal for statement backing Arteta
Arsenal have thrown their support behind manager Mikel Arteta after his angry post-match comments about VAR after a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Michael Owen has hit out at Arsenal after the club called for refereeing standards to be addressed. Arsenal have thrown their support behind manager Mikel Arteta after he branded the VAR decision not to rule out Anthony Gordon’s match-winner at Newcastle “an absolute disgrace”.
The Premier League club issued a statement on Sunday, saying they “wholeheartedly support” Arteta’s post-match comments after “yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors”.
Gordon’s controversial goal secured a 1-0 victory for Newcastle and ended Arsenal’s 10-game unbeaten Premier League start.
Club statement
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 5, 2023
“Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,” read a club statement.
“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 (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) 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.”
Arteta failed to hide his anger at St James’ Park after referee Stuart Attwell awarded the Newcastle goal following a triple VAR check to see whether the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock’s cross, whether Joelinton had fouled Arsenal defender Gabriel and whether Gordon had been offside.
Former England star Owen, who hosts PGMOL's Mic'd Up show on which audio from VAR reviews is broadcast, argues it is Arteta who is the disgrace.
He tweeted: "The Newcastle v Arsenal game yesterday was a brilliant watch. Two top teams going at it. The only (in his words) ‘embarrassing’ and ‘disgraceful’ thing about it was Arteta’s behaviour. A common occurrence that damages the game more than any incorrect decision. For his club to now release a statement moaning about the standard of officiating is poor and sadly for a team of Arsenals standing, totally classless."
Owen added: "None of the three talking points are definitive so VAR right to not change the on field decision IMO. Admittedly a tough one to take for Arsenal fans."
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