FA asked to ‘do something’ about Mikel Arteta’s touchline behavior in Gunners’ 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Richard Keys tweeted about Mikel Arteta’s behavior, urging that the FA take action.
During Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the Gunners’ manager could be seen running up and down the sidelines.
But Keys, formerly of Sky Sports, rushed to social media to criticize the Spanish player’s behavior.
After Bukayo Saka was cautioned for a foul on Marc Cucurella, Arteta even argued with the fourth official.
And the enraged presenter posted online, “Why is this allowed every week @FA_PGMOL ? Arteta has been jumping up & down all game – way outside his technical area. Potter is in his & 4th is watching. Do something about this man.”
Why is this allowed every week @FA_PGMOL ? Arteta has been jumping up & down all game – way outside his technical area. Potter is in his & 4th is watching. Do something about this man. pic.twitter.com/ofUuAKSD3j
— Richard Keys (@richardajkeys) November 6, 2022
Key has been always calling out the Arsenal manager for months. Back in September, he said: “Why is Arteta allowed to spend the game on the touchline? Again today – in front of the 4th official as well. Does he has special dispensation?” Whilst back in April he said: “And why is this irritating man allowed to spend 90 minutes outside of his technical area? Can’t the fourth (official) see this?”
It is fairly uncommon for managers to stray from their technical area, but a fourth official should monitor this behavior.
The LMA previously stated in a report that the fourth official “will supervise the technical area to maintain order and inform the referee of irresponsible behaviour by any occupant of the technical area.
“Irresponsible behaviour may be defined as, but not exclusive to, any person who leaves the technical area to remonstrate with the Referee, an Assistant Referee, opponents or members of the opposition technical area.”
But Keys’ message has not gone down well with followers on social media, who have blasted him for his take.
One wrote: “Why are you crying about this? Watch the football match..” Another said: “Can’t celebrate, can’t step out of your technical area…Big rich killing football mate.”
Another wrote: “It’s called passion. A big part of what makes this the beautiful game. Nobody cares about this apart from people like you.”
A last one wrote: “Why don’t you come out and admit you don’t like the guy? Don’t hear you crying this much about other managers. We all know you’re not an Arsenal fan from way back in the Wenger days – broke up the monopoly United had on the league with your mate, Sir Alex, didn’t he?”
Despite Arteta’s alleged excitement, the Gunners emerged victorious from their hard-fought victory at the Bridge.
Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang, the Gunners’ former star who is now a Chelsea player, had a dismal game, but Gabriel Magalhaes’s goal was enough to put the team on top of the Premier League standings.
As the architect of another victory over a top-four opponent, Arteta is unlikely to be overly perturbed by Keys’ comments.
Arsenal have seen off Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool this season as they continue to exceed expectations after nearly missing out on the top four last term.
The Gunners boss said after the success: “It’s another step as a team, to come here against a top opponent, top manager, top world-class players around the pitch, and dominate the game and actually win it, it’s very meaningful and hopefully will give the boys more belief.
“I was really impressed, we are a really young team, but we showed a lot of maturities, a lot of composure, a lot of courage, a lot of determination to play in this stage in the way we’ve played, it’s easy to say but really difficult to do. I think the boys were phenomenal today.”
FA asked to ‘do something’ about Mikel Arteta’s touchline behavior in Gunners’ 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
