Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has downplayed his latest booking after picking up his fourth caution of the season for dissent in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Gunners boss took exception to a challenge from Kaoru Mitoma on Bukayo Saka and made no attempt to hide his frustration, earning himself yet another yellow card.
Arteta has already served a suspension for racking up three bookings and has faced widespread criticism for his conduct towards referees this season, but the Arsenal boss was happy to laugh off his latest infraction.
“I was waving to [Gabriel] Martinelli!,” he joked to beIN Sports before immediately running off set.
Arteta attracted immense criticism for his comments on refereeing standards after his side’s controversial defeat to Newcastle United, after which Arsenal voiced their support for their manager in a statement which further divided opinion.
While Arteta was cleared of all misconduct charges over the incident, Ref Support UK chief Martin Cassidy was not impressed by the Spaniard’s behaviour.
“[Arsenal] would have more credibility if they addressed and made a public statement about the unacceptable behaviour of their players or manager,” he said.
“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.”
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