Mikel Arteta to defend himself in FA hearing after Newcastle rant as Gunners feel they are being ‘singled out’

ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta is set to contest the FA’s decision to charge him over his comments about officiating and VAR in the Premier League.

The Spaniard found himself in hot water following Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle earlier this month.

Alamy

Mikel Arteta was left furious after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle earlier this month[/caption]

EPA

The Spaniard has been charged by the FA for his comments[/caption]

He lambasted Stuart Attwell and Andy Madley’s decision to award Anthony Gordon’s decisive goal, branding it “embarrassing” and a “disgrace”.

Arsenal subsequently issued a statement in support of Arteta before presenting a list of controversial decisions that they believed justified his stance.

The manager then doubled down on his comments just a few days later ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Sevilla.

And last week the FA stepped in to punish his behaviour, charging him for breaching Rule E3.1.

An official statement read: “Mikel Arteta has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.1 following comments that he made in media interviews after Arsenal’s Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday 4 November.

“It’s alleged that his comments constitute misconduct as they are insulting towards match officials and/or detrimental to the game and/or bring the game into disrepute.”

Arteta has until Friday to respond to the charges.

And the Mirror claim that he is prepared to defend himself.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

Within the following ten days he could be hit with a touchline ban or heavy punishment.

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday when they travel to face Brentford.

If Arteta does not receive a punishment beforehand he will be in the dugout during the match.