Mikel Arteta is cautioning against removing emotion from football while addressing concerns about the treatment of referees. The spotlight on match officials, especially with the criticism of VAR, prompted Arteta to express dissatisfaction with Premier League officiating, leading to an FA charge. While advocating for respectful treatment of referees, Arteta emphasizes the importance of maintaining the passion inherent in the game. He highlights the emotional reactions integral to football, from celebrating goals to managing on-field situations, arguing that muting these reactions would diminish the sport’s appeal. Despite acknowledging the need for respect, Arteta stresses that the game’s competitive and passionate nature should not be compromised.
Arteta faced scrutiny after criticizing officiating, particularly in Arsenal’s loss to Newcastle. His discontent with VAR decisions and his vocal stance against the standard of officiating resulted in an FA charge. Undeterred, Arteta insists on continuing to speak out against officials and suggests solidarity among coaches in the Premier League. He emphasizes the importance of constructive dialogue between managers and officials, mentioning pre-match meetings and expressing a willingness to foster friendly relationships with referees, ultimately aiming for collaborative efforts to enhance the overall quality of football officiating.
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