Arsenal

Pep Guardiola defends Arsenal rival Mikel Arteta over post-match outburst

Published

11 months ago

November 7, 2023

Gerald

Pep Guardiola defends Arsenal rival Mikel Arteta over post-match outburst at referees

Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola (L) and Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta watches the players from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on April 26, 2023. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has defended Arsenal rival Mikel Arteta following his explosive rant over the state of Premier League officiating and says it is ‘difficult to handle’ controversial decisions in the heat of the moment.

The Spaniard ploughed into the officials after Anthony Gordon’s goal was allowed to stand in Newcastle United’s 1-0 victory at St James’ Park on Saturday, branding the decision an ‘embarrassment’ and a ‘disgrace’.

There had been three potential infringements in the move but VAR were unable to definitively check two of them: whether the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock crossed into the box and whether Gordon was offside.

Arsenal also felt Gabriel Magalhaes had been bundled over by Joelinton as he attempted to clear the ball, while they were also unhappy that Bruno Guimaraes stayed on the pitch.

Arteta was livid afterwards and has faced criticism for his comments – more so after Arsenal released a statement backing the Spaniard’s words a day later – but Guardiola feels it is incredibly hard for managers to have to front up to the media in such circumstances.

‘I have the feeling that in every country there’s a little bit of confusion about many things,’ said Guardiola on Monday when asked about the current state of VAR after Arteta’s rant.

‘But, I don’t know, the emotion after the game it’s difficult for the managers right after, being here and talking about the feelings that are so, so high.

‘It’s difficult to handle it – me, I’m talking for myself, I’m not talking for Mikel or for any other manager, I’m talking for myself. It’s not easy.

‘Hopefully we can [improve things]. They decide we cannot talk with the fourth officials, we cannot do anything. The situation was quite similar last season, it didn’t change much.’

Asked about Arteta’s claim that the level of officiating is the worst he can remember, and whether he agrees with that opinion, Guardiola continued: ‘I don’t know, I don’t remember in the past.

‘There’s always been problems to solve. I don’t know, it’s such a sensitive issue right now honestly.

‘What has happened in many games. It’s difficult for the referees too, for everyone. Honestly I don’t have a clear opinion because I don’t know where I am on that position right now.’

Arsenal released a statement on Sunday in which they urged PGMOL to raise the standards of officiating, saying: ‘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.’