Graham Poll believes referees need to toughen up following Mikel Arteta’s outburst against Newcastle United. A fortnight ago, Arsenal were incensed after seeing their protests waved away for a 95th-minute penalty.
Toon supporters took a deep breath when Granit Xhaka’s cross struck Jacob Murphy but referee Andrew Madley rejected the appeals. The Gunners immediately surrounded the official in frustration as Mikel Arteta almost came to blows with Eddie Howe on the touchline.
An FA charge for the altercation must have gone straight over Arsenal’s head as they received the same punishment just days later for a similar incident at Oxford United. Tensions were also high during the North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur and ex-referee Poll wants Howard Webb - chief officer of the PGMOL - to make top-flight managers toe the line.
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“I’m not a fan of the style of refereeing at the moment, it’s a bit too weak for me. As a result, you’re getting more and more incidents where referees are surrounded. Managers are getting over-involved.
“Look at Arteta yesterday, having recently faced two charges, one of which was for him. Yet he was still outside his technical area all the time and even entered the field of play.
“I’m hoping Howard (Webb) comes in with a fresh eye and tightens things up. I’m not saying I want to see five red cards in a game but things need to be stepped up and, hopefully, they will be.”
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