Mikel Arteta handed one-match touchline BAN following Arsenal’s last-gasp winner against Luton Town

Mikel Arteta will not be there on the sidelines for the clash against Aston Villa.

Mikel Arteta handed one-match touchline BAN following Arsenal’s last-gasp winner against Luton Town

Mikel Arteta celebrating Declan Rice's winner. (Images via X/@ESPNC)

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been handed a touchline ban for ‘excessive celebration’, according to the FA. The Spaniard could not be contained as Arsenal came out on top in a nervy game at Kenilworth Road. Declan Rice‘s 90+7’ winner tuned the stadium upside down as Mikel Arteta also took part in the celebrations. He came outside the technical area and was visibly animated for Declan Rice’s winner.

Even though assistant manager Carlos Cuesta rushed to Arteta to ‘mute’ his celebrations, the manager picked up a yellow regardless. The FA later announced that he would remain suspended for Arsenal’s upcoming game. He will have to watch from the stands as Arsenal take on Aston Villa next Saturday. Arteta received his third yellow card of the season as well, leading to his ‘suspension’.

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Several Arsenal supporters have voiced their distaste and outrage at the decision. As per fans, a manager celebrating an injury-time winner should never result in a yellow card.

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Others pointed out the contrast in penalties for different managers for ‘excessively celebrating’. Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi running across the City Ground has received no repercussions.

Mikel Arteta responds to the FA’s decision to suspend the player

Mikel Arteta was not impressed as news of his suspension was made public by the English FA. Pep Guardiola’s former assistant blatantly replied to the suspension, stating:

Yeah, I could not be sitting on my seat, unfortunately.
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta (Via X/@goal)

The same was evident from his celebrations, as he went on the pitch to celebrate with his players and staff. Arteta added, 

So I left there, having no spatial awareness at all. I could not be seated in my seat. It was pure emotion. If that's a yellow... that's a yellow.

In addition to the touchline ban, Arteta is also awaiting punishment for a passionate rant he made about VAR following the controversial game against Newcastle United. As it stands, Arteta will return to the touchline against Brighton at the Emirates on Sunday, December 17th.

A crucial victory against Luton Town ensured that the Gunners stayed at the top of the league. Arsenal are now on 36 points from 15 games, 2 more than second-placed Liverpool and 6 more than defending champions Manchester City. Arsenal will look to banish their demons from last season after a slip-up in the final stretch of the season meant that rivals Manchester City won the league title.

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