Mikel Arteta is ‘a Mercedes version of Neil Warnock’ and is the ‘WORST’ in the Premier League for his touchline behaviour, claims CEO of Ref Support UK… as he labels Arsenal’s statement backing him over his criticism of referees as ’embarrassing’

• Mikel Arteta and Arsenal were irate with VAR after Newcastle’s win on Saturday 
• Red Support UK have been left totally bemused by Arteta and Arsenal’s response
• CHRIS SUTTON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a clown – It’s All Kicking Off 

Mikel Arteta is a ‘Mercedes version of Neil Warnock’ and Arsenal are better served making statements about the behaviour of their manager and players, rather than ’embarrassing’ comments about referees, claims the CEO of Ref Support UK. 

Arteta and Arsenal were left incensed this weekend after Anthony Gordon’s match-deciding goal was allowed to stand, while Bruno Guimaraes avoided punishment for a supposed elbow on Jorginho.

The Arsenal boss described the winning goal from Gordon an ‘absolute disgrace’ when he spoke after the match, before adding that he felt ‘ashamed’ by the level of refereeing in the Premier League. 

Arsenal were so annoyed by the decision making of referee Stuart Attwell and VAR official Andy Madley that they put an official statement out on Sunday, which has since been labelled as ’embarrassing’ by Martin Cassidy, chief executive of Ref Support UK.

‘[Arsenal] would have more credibility if they addressed and made a public statement about the unacceptable behaviour of their players or manager,’ Cassidy said, as per the Telegraph.

Mikel Arteta’s (left) behaviour on the touchline has been likened to that of Neil Warnock (right)

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‘Mikel Arteta’s touchline behaviour is the worst in the Premier League and his behaviour is a large part of the problem in football. He has become a Mercedes version of Neil Warnock. 

‘His behaviour and comments, that now appear to be supported by Arsenal as a club, is very worrying for me and the game in general. 

‘This statement [by Arsenal], in my opinion, is nothing other than an infantile moan.’

Cassidy went on to bemoan the behaviour of managers like Arteta, Jurgen Klopp and others on the touchline directly correlates to a toxic culture that has crept in at grassroots level.

Ref Support UK receive reports of abusive touchline behaviour at grassroots level on a weekly basis.  

They say that much of the abuse, which Cassidy said is both verbal abuse and threats, gets directed at officials under the age of 18.

Cassidy was not alone in being left thoroughly unimpressed by both Arsenal and Arteta.

Gary Neville questioned Arteta’s comments and Arsenal’s decision to release a statement against refereeing decisions during this weekend’s 1-0 defeat away to Newcastle United

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville both vehemently criticised Arsenal’s decision to back their manager in wake of the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle.

In a statement on Sunday afternoon, the club said it was backing their manager after ‘yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors’. It added fans, players and managers ‘deserve better’ from the PGMOL.

Officials had to assess three incidents before giving Anthony Gordon’s goal 

Carragher and Neville, however, believes Arsenal have unnecessarily poured petrol on an already combustible situation.

Writing on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Neville said: ‘Arsenal and Liverpool’s statements are wrong. Do it privately. Managers and players make far more mistakes than refs!’ 

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Luton, Carragher said:  ‘This is not a moment to jump on the bandwagon with VAR and just batter people at Stockley Park and the officials because that’s not right.’

Arsenal’s statement is the second time a Premier League feels it has to directly address PGMOL this season.

Last month, Liverpool formally requested the audio between the VAR officials and referee Simon Hooper after their 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on September 30.

The Reds had a Luis Diaz goal ruled out for offside, a decision which PGMOL subsequently admitted was incorrect. 

Liverpool also had two players sent off and lost to a last-minute own goal.

Carragher claimed on X that the response from Arsenal was ‘way over the top’. 

‘I didn’t agree with what Liverpool put out at the time,’ Carragher said on Sky.

Arteta (above) labelled VAR’s decision to let Gordon’s winner for Newcastle stand a ‘disgrace’ on Saturday, as his side were controversially beaten 1-0 at St James’ Park

The first issue VAR checked was whether Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock kept the ball in play

Officials then tried to determine whether there was a push on Arsenal’s Gabriel by Joelinton

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

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