Newcastle manager Eddie Howe responds to Mikel Arteta’s ‘scandalous’ comments
Newcastle United drew 0-0 with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last night. Referee Andy Madley denied Arsenal’s late penalty appeals against Newcastle United’s Jacob Murphy.
The Magpies were the first team in the league this season to prevent Arsenal from scoring, as they limited the league leaders’ opportunities to score.
Eddie Nketiah’s late save by Nick Pope proved decisive, but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta felt his team should have been awarded a penalty.
Granit Xhaka’s cross struck Jacob Murphy on the arm, but the Newcastle substitute was only a yard away from his opponent and had his arm at his side.
Madley’s decision not to award a penalty was supported by VAR, and while Arteta called the decision “scandalous,” Howe believed it was the correct verdict.
The Newcastle head coach said: “If it was the other way round, I would be shouting for it, but probably not with the belief that it should be given.
“I think the distance is too tight. I don’t think Jacob’s arm is aloft – I think it’s by his side. So, for me, that shouldn’t be a penalty.”
After the incident, Howe and Arteta engaged in a heated verbal exchange, but the Newcastle manager insists he has no ill will toward his managerial counterpart.
He said: “I’ve got no issue at all. Mikel is a top manager and a top coach, I think he’s done an incredible job here. There were no issues between us.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe responds to Mikel Arteta’s ‘scandalous’ comments
