Share this @internewscast.com

Chris Sutton believes Mikel Arteta has made himself look ‘like a clown’ for slamming the standards of refereeing in England following Arsenal’s controversial loss against Newcastle on Saturday.

The Spaniard was left fuming after the final whistle at St. James’ Park as Anthony Gordon’s match-winning goal was allowed to stand, while Bruno Guimaraes avoided punishment for a supposed elbow on Jorginho.

Gordon’s strike went through three separate VAR checks before being allowed to stand, with referee Stuart Attwell and VAR official Andy Madley deeming that Joe WIllock had kept the ball in play, Joelinton had not fouled Gabriel in the build-up and that the goalscorer was onside.

‘I feel embarrassed. It’s an absolute disgrace that this was allowed. For many reasons it’s not a goal. 

Chris Sutton believes Mikel Arteta has made himself look like 'a clown' for slamming the standard of refereeing after Arsenal's controversial loss against Newcastle

Chris Sutton believes Mikel Arteta has made himself look like 'a clown' for slamming the standard of refereeing after Arsenal's controversial loss against Newcastle

Chris Sutton believes Mikel Arteta has made himself look like ‘a clown’ for slamming the standard of refereeing after Arsenal’s controversial loss against Newcastle

Anthony Gordon (second left) scored the winner for Newcastle after a goalmouth scramble

Anthony Gordon (second left) scored the winner for Newcastle after a goalmouth scramble

Anthony Gordon (second left) scored the winner for Newcastle after a goalmouth scramble

Gordon's goal underwent three separate VAR checks, but Arteta felt the wrong decision was made by the officials

Gordon's goal underwent three separate VAR checks, but Arteta felt the wrong decision was made by the officials

Gordon’s goal underwent three separate VAR checks, but Arteta felt the wrong decision was made by the officials 

‘It’s so difficult to compete at this level. This is nowhere near the [refereeing] level to describe this as the best league in the world. I feel sick to be part of this.’ 

But speaking on the latest episode of Mail Sport’s It’s All Kicking Off! podcast with Ian Ladyman, Sutton insisted Arteta’s anger was misdirected. 

‘I thought he made himself look a bit of a clown,’ he said.

‘And I know everybody can say: “Well, it’s great and it’s emotional game”. And I get that. 

‘But while he’s berating the officials, what about him controlling things which he can control?’

Sutton suggested the VAR controversy overshadowed some questionable decisions from Arteta, such as keeping faith in Kai Havertz and David Raya.

The German, a £65million signing from Chelsea in the summer, has scored one goal in 17 appearances in all competitions so far.

The Spaniard, meanwhile, has looked far from rock-solid since replacing Aaron Ramsdale in goal after joining on loan from Brentford. Raya’s failure to deal with Willock’s cross led to Newcastle’s winner on Saturday and condemned Arsenal to a first defeat in the Premier League this season.

Speaking on the latest episode of Mail Sport's It's All Kicking Off! podcast Sutton questioned Arteta's decision to slam the referees and VAR

Speaking on the latest episode of Mail Sport's It's All Kicking Off! podcast Sutton questioned Arteta's decision to slam the referees and VAR

Speaking on the latest episode of Mail Sport’s It’s All Kicking Off! podcast Sutton questioned Arteta’s decision to slam the referees and VAR

The Spaniard described the decision to allow the goal to stand as an 'absolute disgrace'

The Spaniard described the decision to allow the goal to stand as an 'absolute disgrace'

The Spaniard described the decision to allow the goal to stand as an ‘absolute disgrace’

‘What about his [Arteta’s] insistence to play [Kai] Havertz? You know, how many more times is he going to give him a chance at Arsenal?,’ Sutton said.

‘He’s trying to win a Premier League Mikel Arteta has made himself ‘look like a CLOWN’ for blasting refereeing standards following Newcastle VAR controversy, says Chris Sutton on Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off’. What about [David] Raya flapping at the cross [that led to the goal]? He can control those things. 

‘So while he’s having a pop left, right, and centre at the PGMOL and the referee on the day, maybe he should look at himself.’ 

In a statement released on Sunday afternoon, Arsenal said they were backing Arteta after ‘yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors’. The club added fans, players and managers ‘deserve better’ from the PGMOL.

But Sutton argued the approach was counterproductive and only served to ‘crank up the pressure’ on the referees.

On Sunday, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville both vehemently criticised Arsenal’s decision to back Arteta.

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 by 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.

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Cole Palmer Embraces His Caribbean Heritage During Heartwarming Visit to St. Kitts

After an impressive display in the Club World Cup final, where he…

Paul Gascoigne Gives Friends an Update from Hospital After the England Legend is Hospitalized in Intensive Care

Ex-England star Paul Gascoigne has reportedly provided an update from hospital to…

Celtic Primed for Strong Title Defence Following Dominant Win Over Newcastle

Celtic are now crunching through the gears so quickly that their defence…

Fans Notice Marcus Rashford’s Stunning Transformation at Barcelona Reveal Compared to ‘Unrefined’ Aston Villa Images

Marcus Rashford was all smiles as he was introduced as a Barcelona…

Exposed: The Shocking Event That Led an AFL Umpire to a Tragic Decision

About five years after retiring from AFL umpiring, Troy Pannell’s life began…

Under Armour Unveils Stunning Magnetico Elite 5 Boots

Under Armour has just launched the Magnetico Elite 5, catching everyone’s eye…

Patrick Bamford anticipated his departure from Leeds, yet leaving Elland Road will be painful for a player who felt at home there, AADAM PATEL reports.

Deep down, Patrick Bamford perhaps sensed that the writing was on the…

Alexander Isak informs Newcastle of his desire to leave, as Liverpool prepares to break British transfer record

Alexander Isak has told Newcastle he wants to explore a move away…

Liverpool’s Transfer Q&A: How Can They Finance Alexander Isak? Will His Move Happen After Requesting Newcastle Exit? Do The Reds Need Sales to Fund Purchases?

Liverpool are readying an official approach to Newcastle after Alexander Isak told…