Owen points finger at Arsenal and Arteta after Newcastle controversy
Former Newcastle striker Michael Owen hit out at "totally classless" behaviour from Arsenal after their defeat at St James' Park while criticising the actions of Gunners manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal had complaints about Newcastle's winning goal, scored by Anthony Gordon. Some felt the ball went out of play in the build-up, that Gabriel was fouled and that Gordon was offside, but the goal was allowed to stand following a four-minute VAR check.
Arteta pulled no punches when speaking after the defeat, saying it was a "disgrace" that the goal wasn't chalked off. Arsenal stood by the manager in a written statement, prompting Owen to have his say.
"The @NUFC v @Arsenal game yesterday was a brilliant watch," Owen wrote on social media on Sunday. "Two top teams going at it. The only (in his words) ‘embarrassing’ and ‘disgraceful’ thing about it was Arteta’s behaviour.
"A common occurrence that damages the game more than any incorrect decision. For his club to now release a statement moaning about the standard of officiating is poor and sadly for a team of Arsenals standing, totally classless."
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
The result left Arsenal three points adrift of league leaders Manchester City, who won 6-1 against Bournemouth earlier in the day. Newcastle sit sixth, four points behind the fourth-placed Gunners
Do you agree with Michael Owen? Have your say in the comments section
Mikel Arteta was annoyed Newcastle's winner was allowed to stand (MI News/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock)"Embarrassing what happened - how this goal stands, in the Premier League - this league we say is the best in the world," Arteta told the BBC. "I've been 20 years in this country and now I feel ashamed.
"It's a disgrace and there's too much at stake here. We are trying to do incredible things and be at the highest level each week.
"When we're not good enough I hold my hands up and take responsibility. The outcome is nowhere near the level this league needs to have and the way this league is getting competed in. It's not good enough. I feel embarrassed to be part of this."
Multiple potential offences were checked before Anthony Gordon's goal was given (CameraSport via Getty Images)After taking time to soak in Arteta's words, Arsenal were direct when sharing their own statement on Sunday. "Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta ’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening," it began.
"We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park," the statement continued. "The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better.
"PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies. We support the ongoing efforts of Chief Refereeing Officer, Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve the world-class officiating standards our league demands."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
