Mikel Arteta says he should not be looked at differently after dodging a touchline ban for criticising VAR.
Arteta called it “embarrassing and a disgrace” that Anthony Gordon’s goal against Arsenal last month stood. He felt VAR should have intervened and disallowed what proved to be the winning goal for Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
His comments earned him an FA charge for an alleged breach of FA Rule E3.1, but an independent regulatory commission cleared him on Thursday.
Asked whether he might be perceived differently after escaping a ban, Arteta said: “This cannot happen, because if you haven’t been [punished], they have to look at your exactly the same.
“But it’s who I am as a person and the love I have for my club, my players. And a lot of times we have shown a lot of respect for everybody — whether it’s an opponent, a referee, other clubs, an institution.
“We are there to defend and support them as well.”
Speaking about refereeing standards in the Premier League, the Arsenal manager said: "They are going to improve.
"A lot of things have happened in the league — bringing in other players, bringing in new ownership, new sponsors, new management, new CEOs, new sporting directors. We are an incredible league. It will improve the league for sure.
“From the club I, felt really supported”, said Arteta, when reminded that the club had hired a criminal defence lawyer for the case. “I have to say, when we got the decision, I tried to explain myself and the motives and the reason for the position we held.”
