Arteta hit with FA charge for post-Newcastle comments

Mikel Arteta has been charged with misconduct by the English Football Association for comments he made after Arsenal's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle earlier this month.

The Gunners boss, 41, branded the VAR decision not to rule out Anthony Gordon's winner as a "disgrace" in his post-match interview.

The second-half goal had three separate VAR checks, which all went in the Toon's favour at St James' Park.

Arteta has until Tuesday to respond to the charge.

An FA statement read: "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 on Saturday, November 4. 

“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."

Arsenal released a club statement saying they "wholeheartedly agree" with the Spaniard's outburst and insisted players, coaches and supporters "deserve better".

Arteta later doubled down on his comments, claiming it is his "duty" to defend the club.

Three areas around the goal were checked by VAR — to see if the ball went out of play in the build-up, if there was a foul and if there was an offside.

The defeat on November 4 ended Arsenal's unbeaten start to the season, with Arteta's men currently one point off top spot in the Premier League in third.