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Mikel Arteta has called for managers and referees to work together to improve the game after the Arsenal boss avoided punishment for a recent outburst.<\/p>\n
The Spaniard was charged by the Football Association after labelling the decision to award Anthony Gordon\u2019s goal in a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last month a \u201cdisgrace\u201d and \u201cembarrassing\u201d.<\/p>\n
It was announced on Thursday afternoon, however, that Arteta had escaped a fine or a touchline ban after an independent panel ruled the FA charge E3.1 was not proven.<\/p>\n
Arteta, who returns to the dugout this week having been suspended for last weekend\u2019s loss at Aston Villa after picking up three yellow cards, said he was pleased with the process.<\/p>\n
He also explained why he was so passionate in the aftermath of the defeat at St James\u2019 Park and cited the record number of Premier League managerial sackings last season as a reason why making the correct refereeing decisions is important in the long-term.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it was a really good, well-run process,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt gave the opportunity for both of us to say how we felt and the reasons behind it. OK, the outcome is that I\u2019m not charged, but I think we have to draw a line now and look at how we can be more constructive and learn from it and move forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt a lot of sympathy to be fair as I explained the pressure we feel as managers and how important details are for our job. I love what I do so much and I want to continue doing it. The reality was that 14 managers lost their jobs and we depend on results.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen the outcome is that important we get really emotional about it. Nobody remembers three weeks ago when you lost a game because of a certain reason. So, I think it was a really good process.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was done. I defended my opinion. I expressed my opinion. I\u2019m fully supportive of how we have to improve the game. Refs are a big part of that and they know that.<\/p>\n
\u201cManagers are a big part of that. We have the duty to do that. It\u2019s good to discuss things in an open and honest way. This is what I tried to do.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not about them, it\u2019s we. We want to do the game better. It\u2019s about how we can improve on the touchline to make life easier from the players\u2019 side, their (officials) side, technology-wise and the clubs. It\u2019s all about us. We\u2019re all in this together, it\u2019s not about separate people trying to do their bits. That\u2019s not going to work, we have to do it together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Part of the FA\u2019s charge that was dismissed by the panel was the suggestion that Arteta\u2019s profile as a Premier League manager should have been taken into consideration \u2013 given how far his comments would travel.<\/p>\n
Previous FA charges against the likes of David Moyes, Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp have also cited their high-profile positions as reason for punishment following their respective indiscretions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a huge duty,\u201d he replied when asked if those managers should be held to a higher standard.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s part of our role to conduct ourselves in the best way and represent the game, our league and our clubs in the best possible way.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is what we try to do everyday. Sometimes better, sometimes worse but it is our intention (to do our best).\u201d<\/p>\n
Arteta also attended a meeting of the PGMOL, the Premier League and other Premier League managers two days before the Newcastle game \u2013 where the issue of VAR was on the agenda.<\/p>\n
The written reasons published by the independent panel suggested Arteta had \u201cparticipated\u201d in the meeting and this was taken into account when he then criticised VAR and officiating on November 4.<\/p>\n
But Arteta was tight-lipped when asked what he had brought to the table at the meeting.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose are private meetings that I can\u2019t explain what we discussed. I\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The ruling of the panel means Arteta will be on the touchline throughout Arsenal\u2019s festive programme, starting with Sunday\u2019s visit of Brighton.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are a really good side,\u201d Arteta said of the Seagulls \u2013 whose 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium last season all-but ended Arsenal\u2019s title hopes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s true that last year when we had the game in control, we conceded and then the game completely broke up and we struggled in the last 15 minutes of of the game. We\u2019ll have to play better and be very efficient which is key against them.\u201d<\/p>\n