Arsenal have issued an official statement backing up manager Mikel Arteta's talk about refereeing after the Gunners lost the Newcastle game with Anthony Gordon's controversial goal.
The Spanish coach had launched a sharp attack on the match referee and said that he feels "ashamed" for the Premier League from the level of refereeing, as well as calling what happened in the match "shame".
This isn't the first time Arteta has complained about refereeing, either this season or last season, but this time his attacking style is different and offensive in a way that didn't exist before.
Arteta could face punishment from the Premier League for his offensive statements, and Arsenal have decided to support their coach early in their next war.
Arsenal's statement was as follows:
Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening.
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.
Arsenal are third in the Premier League standings, two points behind Tottenham (and a game less for Spurs) and three points behind leaders Manchester City.
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