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      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta charged by FA over furious outburst at officials after Newcastle clash

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      MIKEL Arteta faces a potential touchline ban for his verbal attack on Prem refs.Arsenal chief Arteta went on the warpath after the Gunners’ controversial defeat at Newcastle. 
      Mikel Arteta has been charged by the FA following his rant about the officiating during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to NewcastleCredit: Rex
      Outraged Arteta slammed the decision by ref Stuart Attwell and VAR Andy Madley, branding it “embarrassing” and a “disgrace”.
      Arsenal then put out what many considered an inflammatory statement backing the Spaniard and presenting a “dossier” of poor decisions against them they claimed justified his stance.
      Arteta doubled down two days later, suggesting there was a “stink” about decisions – which some suggested implied a conspiracy against the North Londoners.
      And now the FA has finally intervened, after receiving Arteta’s “observations” in response to an initial inquiry from Wembley disciplinary chiefs.
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      In a statement, the FA said: “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.
      “Mikel Arteta has until Tuesday 21 November to provide a response to this charge.”
      It means a decision on punishment will be made before Arsenal’s next Prem game at Brentford on November 25.
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      A touchline ban is more likely than a full stadium suspension, although Arteta will be hopeful of escaping with a fine and warning if he admits the charge.
      PGMOL bosses were understood to be seething about the comments, believing they had been entirely out of place.
      Refs’ chief Howard Webb also backed Attwell and Madley during this week’s “Match Officials Mik’d Up” broadcast review of the incident.
      Arteta and Arsenal fans felt Joelinton had fouled Gabriel Magalhaes in the build up to the goalCredit: Getty
      There was also a question about the ball going out of playCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Wales hatch genius plan to get around VAR stoppages in Euro 2024 qualifiers after Premier League stars’ injuries

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      ROBERT PAGE is ready to put his Wales stars through a warm-up during a Euro 2024 qualifier if there is a lengthy VAR check.The Dragons boss saw the results of a seven-minute break during Spurs’ 4-1 Premier League defeat by Chelsea last week when Micky van de Ven pulled his hamstring a few minutes later.
      Micky van de Ven limped off with a hamstring injury just minutes after a lengthy VAR checkCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Wales manager Robert Page will leave no stone unturned in Euro 2024 qualifiersCredit: Rex
      The PFA fear long VAR checks will lead to more player injuries.
      And Wales boss Page is primed if there are delays in crunch Group D clashes against either Armenia in Yerevan on Saturday or Turkey at home next Tuesday.
      When asked about conducting a warm-up due to VAR checks and the fear of injuries, Page replied: “We are going to have to take that into consideration with the way VAR is going.”
      Tottenham fans suggested the delay may have contributed to Dutchman van de Ven’s injury with players cooling down and then being forced to sprint in quick succession.
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      VAR has blighted the Premier League and Champions League but last year’s World Cup was also affected.
      And Scott McTominay’s goal being ruled out for Scotland in Spain last month sparked fury from team-mate John McGinn.
      Ex-Sheffield United defender Page, whose side are two wins away from qualifying for the Euro finals next summer, reckons football is miles behind rugby in its use of technology.
      Page, 49, added: “The TMO in rugby is way ahead of where football’s VAR is.
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      “In the rugby World Cup it was clear, every supporter in the stadium can listen and know the process.
      “You could hear every conversation. The referee in the final was under severe pressure but he was confident, assertive and it was done in 30 seconds, not nine minutes. 
      “Everyone understood what was happening and the game moved forward.
      “No arguments, get on with the game. In football, fans are in the dark so we need to be more transparent.”
      Page reckons the Prem has changed its tact since the ‘shambolic’ and ‘amateurish’ VAR cock-up which saw Luis Diaz’s goal for Liverpool at Tottenham in September wrongly ruled out for offside.
      He said: “There’s been a definite change in VAR since the Tottenham and Liverpool game with the awful miscommunication. It was shambolic and so amateurish. 
      “There are jobs at stake, it’s a multi-billion pound industry so we can’t have VAR incidents like that. 
      “VAR should get involved if you need a definitive answer. If it’s a push or not, we don’t need VAR for that, let the referee make that call.
      There’s been a definite change in VAR since the Tottenham and Liverpool game with the awful miscommunication. It was shambolic and so amateurishRob Page on VAR
      “In the Newcastle v Arsenal match, I thought it was a foul but the referee has got to make that decision. Give the referee the power to do that again.
      “VAR is there to assist the referee, not the other way round.
      “I get (Mikel) Arteta’s frustration because of the effort he and his coaching staff go into to get the analysis right.
      “Mikel’s assistant Albert (Stuivenburg) worked here with Wales and I know how intense they are.
      “If you want to win games you have to put the work in so to see standards not being met elsewhere is frustrating.
      “It’s ironic that it wasn’t unusual in the World Cup last year to see 100-minute games because they wanted the ball in play more for the sake of the supporters.
      “But we’re not seeing that now. We are seeing longer games but the ball is in play less.
      Page says he can understand Mikel Arteta’s frustration with VARCredit: Getty
      “The Tottenham versus Chelsea game had the ball in play for a ridiculous number of minutes compared to how long the match lasted and the reason was for VAR checks. 
      “The game is stopping too many times. We want the ball in play a lot more.
      “Supporters want to see the play on the pitch, not players stood still or not knowing what VAR are looking at.”  More

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      Football closes in on two huge rugby-style rule changes as referee chiefs talk up proposals after successful trials

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      FOOTBALL lawmakers are reportedly considering two huge rugby-style changes.That’s after successful trials were held at the lower levels of the beautiful game.
      New rugby-inspired rule changes could be coming to footballCredit: Rex
      Premier League stars are only just getting used to new rules regarding dissent this season.
      Referees are no longer allowing themselves to be berated by players.
      And players like Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson have already served bans after quickly racking up five yellow cards for the misdemeanour.
      However, the International FA Board (Ifab) is now considering tightening the rule even further by only allowing captains to speak to officials.
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      That would bring footballers in line with their counterparts in rugby.
      But it’s not the only rugby rule being weighed up by football chiefs, reports The Times..
      They add that sin-bins could also be added to football, with players sent out of matches for 10 minutes to punish dissent.
      Trials could now take place in professional leagues after they were deemed successful at grassroots and junior level over the past four years.
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      Sin-bins and only captains being able to talk to refs are key components of rugbyCredit: Getty
      Chief executive of Ifab, Lukas Brud, said: “Sin-bins for dissent have worked well in grassroots football, and some believe these could also be tested at a higher level, with trials in more senior football.
      “Players may not worry so much about getting a yellow card for saying something inappropriate to a referee, but it can make a big difference if they know it means a tenth of the match off the pitch.
      “There is also a lot of interest from different stakeholders for the idea where only the captain can approach the referee in a fair way.
      “Players approaching in an aggressive manner simply cannot be tolerated any longer.
      “We have even seen on a number of occasions where players deliberately go behind a referee with others coming in front of him so he cannot get away.
      “If only the captain can approach the referee, then afterwards he or she can explain to their team-mates what has happened.
      “This has worked well in other sports such as rugby and basketball.” More

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      VAR was CORRECT to allow Anthony Gordon’s goal against Arsenal, Howard Webb confirms in blow to Mikel Arteta

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      HOWARD WEBB has confirmed that Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal against Arsenal was correctly awarded. The PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer backed the VAR despite Gunners boss Mikel Arteta’s feisty rant post-game.
      Howard Webb has said that VAR were correct to allow Anthony Gordon’s goal against ArsenalCredit: Rex
      Mikel Arteta was left fuming during the game when the decision was given against his sideCredit: Rex
      Gordon’s goal was checked for the ball going out of play, an offside, a foul on Gabriel Magalhaes and a handball before it was awarded.
      But speaking on Match Officials Mic’s Up, Webb said he was in total agreement with the decisions that were made on the day.
      He said: “This was a big moment – an unusual situation with three aspects for the VAR to check whether or not the on-field decision of goal should be overturned.
      “We see the ball getting very close to the goalline – don’t forget we have an Assistant Referee who is right in line – the ball hasn’t got a lot of pace as it goes to the goalline, so he’s looking right down the line better than any of our cameras.
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      “And we know the ball is curved, so it can be over-hanging the line and we need evidence it’s out, and we don’t have that here.
      “The ball then comes over and Joelinton challenges Gabriel, and it could be a foul, might be a foul.
      “The VAR decides that the evidence from the footage isn’t clear enough to intervene with a recommendation for a review for a clear error.
      “I think the talks we’ve seen after, the opinion that is split across a lot of analysis, would suggest that was a correct non-intervention because of the subjectivity.
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      Questions were raised about the ball going out of play in the build up to the goalCredit: Sky Sports
      It was also suggested that Joelinton had pushed Gabriel Magalhaes in the boxCredit: Getty
      There was a check to see if Anthony Gordon was offside tooCredit: Sky Sports
      “And then one of those unusual situations where the ball goes between two players, and trying to identify exactly when the ball leaves Joelinton, is really difficult to establish because of the players being so close together.
      “So again, no conclusive evidence that Gordon was offside when the ball was last touched. The VAR went through that diligently and identified no clear evidence to intervene to overturn the goal. The process was actually correct.”
      It wasn’t the only controversial decision in Newcastle’s 1-0 victory either with both Bruno Guimaraes and Kai Havertz escaping red cards at St James’ Park too.
      Guimaraes’ flailing elbow clattered into the head of Jorginho, but he wasn’t even given a booking.
      While Kai Havertz flew into a challenge on Sean Longstaff and was given a yellow card for reckless play.
      However Webb has admitted that the officials got both those decisions wrong and the pair should have been dismissed for their actions.
      He said: “Quite a busy game wasn’t it? A couple of situations, that in the cold-light-of-day analysis that we go through, going forward, we would expect red cards in both of those situations.”
      The decisions on the day saw Arsenal taste defeat in the Premier League for the first time this season.
      Arteta was left incensed by the officiating and slammed it as an “absolute disgrace” while saying he was “ashamed” of the standard of refereeing in the league.
      Bruno Guimaraes appeared to use his arm to hit Jorginho in the headCredit: Sky Sports
      Kai Havertz left the ground with both feet to lunge into a tackle on Sean LongstaffCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Howard Webb reveals TWO decisions VAR got wrong in Newcastle vs Arsenal clash following furious Arteta rant

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      HOWARD WEBB has confirmed VAR got TWO decisions wrong in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Arsenal.PGMOL chief Webb revealed on the programme “Match Officials Mic’d Up” that both Kai Havertz and Bruno Guimaraes should have been sent off – as previously stated by the Premier League’s Key Match Incident Panel.
      Mikel Arteta was raging with the officials following Arsenal’s defeat to NewcastleCredit: Rex
      Howard Webb has admitted the VAR made two mistakes at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty
      Listen to the full four minute VAR check of Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal for Newcastle against Arsenal and PGMOL chief Howard Webb discussing the process of awarding the goal 🔊 pic.twitter.com/f0wGwsPqhE— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 14, 2023

      However, he insisted the process was followed correctly for Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner – which Gunners boss Mikel Arteta described as an “absolute disgrace”.
      Havertz’s lunge on Sean Longstaff in the 37th minute was deemed to be a yellow card.
      Meanwhile, Guimaraes’ forearm struck the head of Jorginho in an off the ball collision, but he did not receive any punishment.
      Speaking about the two incidents, Webb said: “Quite a busy game wasn’t it?
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      “A couple of situations, that in the cold-light-of-day analysis that we go through, going forward, we would expect red cards in both of those situations.”
      Prior to analysing those decisions, Webb also analysed the use of VAR in Gordon’s goal.
      The officials looked at three separate incidents in the match-winning moment.
      They were whether or not the ball had gone out, a potential foul on Gabriel, and Gordon being offside.
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      Explaining the process, Webb said: “This was a big moment – an unusual situation with three aspects for the VAR to check whether or not the on-field decision of goal should be overturned.
      “We see the ball getting very close to the goal-line – don’t forget we have an assistant referee who is right in line – the ball hasn’t got a lot of pace as it goes to the goal-line, so he’s looking right down the line better than any of our cameras.

      “And we know the ball is curved, so it can be over-hanging the line and we need evidence it’s out, and we don’t have that here.
      “The ball then comes over and Joelinton challenges Gabriel, and it could be a foul, might be a foul.
      “The VAR decides that the evidence from the footage isn’t clear enough to intervene with a recommendation for a review for a clear error.”
      He continued: “I think the talks we’ve seen after, the opinion that is split across a lot of analysis, would suggest that was a correct non-intervention because of the subjectivity.
      “And then one of those unusual situations where the ball goes between two players, and trying to identify exactly when the ball leaves Joelinton, is really difficult to establish because of the players being so close together.
      “So again, no conclusive evidence that Gordon was offside when the ball was last touched.
      “The VAR went through that diligently and identified no clear evidence to intervene to overturn the goal. The process was actually correct.”
      Also on the show, Webb said VAR had correctly disallowed Scott McTominay’s goal against Fulham for an offside on Harry Maguire.
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      He also backed officials for their decision to send off Cristian Romero against Chelsea.
      But he admitted Hwang Hee-chan’s challenge on Newcastle’s Fabian Schar should have seen VAR intervene to disallow the penalty given against Wolves. More

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      Arsenal told VAR audio from Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal against Newcastle will be released TOMORROW

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      ARSENAL have been told the VAR audio from Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal will be released on Tuesday.Gordon’s strike in the 1-0 win over the Gunners was allowed to stand after looking at three separate incidents in the lead-up to the goal.
      Mikel Arteta raged after Anthony Gordon’s goal was allowed to standCredit: Alamy
      VAR could not determine whether the ball had gone out in the lead-up to the goalCredit: Sky Sports

      Howard Webb will explain the decision on TV on TuesdayCredit: Sky Sports
      Now The Mail have confirmed the VAR recording from Stockley Park will be made public on the monthly programme “Match Officials Mic’d Up”.
      The show sees PGMOL chief Howard Webb explain how decisions were made to host Michael Owen.
      And one part of Tuesday’s programme will address Gordon’s controversial goal at St James’ Park.
      VAR could not definitively decipher whether the ball had gone out, before they decided Joelinton had not fouled Gabriel.
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      They then also looked at a possible offside, but did not have an angle which categorically proved Gordon was in an offside position.
      After the match, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta raged at the officials, calling the decision an “absolute disgrace”.
      Club bosses then released an official statement supporting their manager’s remarks.
      They also called on the standard of refereeing to be addressed.
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      Officials also looked at Joelinton’s clash with Gabriel but did not deem it to be a foulCredit: Sky Sports
      VAR also could not clearly determine whether Gordon was offsideCredit: BBC
      The FA have since sought explanations from both Arteta and Arsenal regarding their comments.
      The Gunners are understood to have responded on Monday.
      The Premier League’s Key Match Incident Panel have confirmed the goal SHOULD have stood, but insisted two other errors were made during the game.
      The panel revealed both Kai Havertz and Bruno Guimaraes should have been handed red cards for their clashes with Sean Longstaff and Jorginho respectively.
      Meanwhile, it is not yet clear whether any of the NINE VAR checks in Chelsea’s win over Tottenham will be included on Match Officials Mic’d Up.
      Both clubs are yet to be contacted by the PGMOL. More

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      Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi launches blistering rant and says he ‘dislikes 80 per cent of referees in England’

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      ROBERTO DE ZERBI launched a scathing attack on Prem officials and VAR, blasting: “I don’t like 80 per cent of referees in England.”The Brighton boss was booked for mouthing off to fourth official Andrew Madley after Adam Webster’s own goal gifted Sheffield United a point.
      Roberto De Zerbi slammed referees in England in a furious rantCredit: Getty
      Mahmoud Dahoud was sent off for a challenge on Ben OsbornCredit: Getty
      🗣️ “I don’t like 80 per cent of referees in England”Roberto De Zerbi speaking after he was booked and Mahmoud Dahoud sent off in Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield Utd ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/LUTP5XuBqt— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 12, 2023

      De Zerbi was raging at ref John Brooks for sending off Mahmoud Dahoud for a nasty tackle on Ben Osborn moments earlier.
      The Seagulls chief stormed: “I am honest and clear and I don’t like 80 per cent of referees in England.
      “It’s not a new thing. I don’t like them or their behaviour on the pitch.
      “England is the only country where when there is a VAR check you are not sure it is the right decision.
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      “In other countries you have to be 100 per cent sure the referee’s decision is right.
      “In England, no, and I’m not able to understand it.
      “Until the red card there was only one team on the pitch. With one less player we lost order and lost our style.”
      However, TV replays appeared to show Brooks got it right, with VAR Chris Kavanagh backing his verdict that Dahoud’s ugly tackle deserved a straight red card.
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      And ex-Prem ref Mark Halsey declared: “Roberto can have no complaints over Dahoud’s red.
      “The ball was nowhere near Osborn’s ankle and the Brighton man deliberately stamped on him.”
      De Zerbi added: “If I see the new rules, it is a red card, clear.
      “But I was a player and the dynamic of the situation is not a red card — but we have to accept it.”
      Asked if referees in Europe are better, De Zerbi said: “I’m working in England and I speak only about the referees here.” More

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      Crewe vs Notts County HALTED after linesmen ‘refuse to stand on side of fuming fans’ after 98th-minute penalty awarded

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      NOTTS COUNTY’s clash at Crewe Alexandra was halted due to the linesman refusing to stand near the travelling fans.Notts’ supporters were raging with the officials after a 96th-minute penalty was awarded against their side.
      Notts County’s clash with Crewe was haltedCredit: PA
      Fans were enraged by the linesman’s decision to give a penalty to CreweCredit: PA
      The penalty was given by Richard Wigglesworth who had replaced the original refereeCredit: PA
      The game was stoppedCredit: PA
      Players tried to calm down the supportersCredit: Dan Westwell
      Jody Jones was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box as the referee pointed to the spot.
      However, the call angered County’s fans who let their displeasure be known at the awarding linesman.
      The decision came after the match’s original referee, Simon Mather, was forced to be replaced by fourth official Richard Wigglesworth after pulling his hamstring.
      Reports claimed that Notts’ fans then erupted as projectiles were thrown at the officials.
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      It was also suggested that the words “cheat” and “w****r” were chanted at them from the away support.
      Due to the intensity, the linesman was said to refuse to run the line because of the proximity to the fans.
      To make matters worse and add to the chaos the other linesman reportedly refused to switch with him, causing the match to be delayed.
      County’s players could be seen trying to calm down their incensed supporters.
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      The game eventually was restarted 13 minutes later in the 109th minute with the spot kick.
      Crewe star Courtney Baker-Richardson stood up and fired the penalty home to hand the hosts the victory.
      After the game Crewe manager Lee Bell insisted that the decision was correct.
      He said: “Yeah I thought it was a penalty.
      “I think with the new rule change when you are so close to it but in this day and age it is a penalty.
      “I think he [the referee] got it spot on, it takes a lot of courage to do that after coming on because he took his time.”
      Elsewhere in the Football League, Wycombe suffered two serious injuries as two players were taken to hospital after their defeat to Stevenage in League One.
      Courtney Baker-Richardson converted the penaltyCredit: PA More