FA issue massive update as Arteta delays response to Newcastle comments charge

Mikel Arteta is to be given more time to respond to an FA charge made against him after his controversial comments in the aftermath of Arsenal's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle. The Spaniard was officially charged last week 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.

The game was decided in contentious fashion as Anthony Gordon's winning goal survived three separate VAR checks before being given. This prompted a furious response from Arteta after the game.

"We have to talk about the result because you have to talk about how the hell this goal stand ups and it’s incredible," he said in his post-match press conference. "I feel embarrassed but I have to be the one now coming here to try to defend the club and please ask for help, because it's an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed; it’s an absolute disgrace."

These words were echoed more generally by Arsenal in an official club statement. "Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening," it read. "We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park.

"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."

FA rule E3.1 states that ‘a participant shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour’. The FA's charge alleged that Arteta's comments constitute misconduct "as they are insulting towards match officials and/or detrimental to the game and/or bring the game into disrepute."

The Arsenal boss initially had until Tuesday, November 21 to respond to this charge. However, he will now have until Friday, November 24. Once the Spaniard has responded, the FA will then make a decision on the level of punishment that Arteta is likely to face.