Arteta cleared of misconduct charge over Newcastle rant

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has escaped punishment following a misconduct charge from the England Football Association, in relation to comments made after his team’s 1-0 defeat by Newcastle United on November 4.

The FA alleged that Arteta’s post-match interview, in which he labelled the decision to allow Newcastle’s goal as “embarrassing” and a “disgrace”, constituted misconduct and brought the game into disrepute. He was charged under FA Rule E3.1.

However, an independent regulatory commission found the charge to be “not proven”. Arteta claimed his use of the word “disgrace” was a case of mistaken translation from the Spanish “desgracia”, meaning misfortune or tragedy rather than contempt.

While Arteta’s rant sparked controversy, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief, Howard Webb, later defended the process around Newcastle’s goal, saying VAR was right not to overturn the on-field decision.

The outcome means Arteta avoids any sanctions such as a fine or touchline ban. Arsenal also avoided charges for questioning officials’ capabilities in a club statement the day after the Newcastle match.

With the FA charge cleared, Arteta is free to return to the dugout for Arsenal’s upcoming EPL clash at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, December 18. He served a one-match ban during last weekend’s 1-0 loss away to Aston Villa.