Mikel Arteta says he received “sympathy” when explaining the pressure managers are under, during the independent hearing which cleared him of punishment for his comments after Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle.
The Arsenal manager described the refereeing as “embarrassing and a disgrace” after the VAR opted not to intervene when Anthony Gordon had scored what proved to be the controversial winner, as Arsenal lost their first league game of the season at St James’ Park on November 4.
Arteta was charged with breaching FA Rule E3.1 for allegedly bringing the game into disrepute, but an independent regulatory commission cleared him of wrongdoing on the grounds of insufficient evidence on Thursday.
“There has to be [something positive to come out of this]. I think it was a really good process," he said on Friday.
“It [the hearing] gave the opportunity to them to explain how they felt, myself how I felt as well and the reasons behind it. The outcome is that I’m not charged, but I think we have to draw a line as well for how we can be much more constructive, learn from it, and move forward.
“I felt a lot of sympathy, to be fair, once I had explained how we feel sometimes as managers — the pressure we are under and how important details are. Because I love what I do so much; I want to continue doing it.
“The reality last year was that 40 managers lost their jobs, which was incredible. It [life as a manager] depends on results. That’s it. When the outcome is that important, we get really emotional.”
In the written reasons document, The FA explained that one reason they opted to charge Arteta in the first place was due to his high status in the English game.
Asked whether he was being held to an unfairly high standard, Arteta replied: “I think we have a huge duty, and it’s part of our role as well to conduct ourselves in the best way and represent the league in the best way. We are all in this together. It’s not about separate people trying to do their bits.”
Arsenal host Brighton at the Emirates on Sunday, and Arteta has been boosted by positive fitness news this week.
“[Gabriel] Martinelli is feeling good," said the 41-year-old, who confirmed the Brazilian would be in contention to start.
“We had no other news apart from Mo [Mohamed Elneny]. Mo had to be subbed [against PSV on Tuesday], because he felt something in his hamstring. We did a scan and it doesn’t look too serious, so he’s going to be with us very soon which is good news as well.”
