“We were very harshly done” – Mikel Arteta calls out referee after VAR ignores ‘clear’ penalty in defeat to Inter Milan
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta slams the referee for being 'harsh' towards his side, after a 'clear' penalty was not given a foul on Mikel Merino.
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta slammed the referee's decisions to not award his side a penalty, during 1-0 Inter Milan defeat. (via Daily Mail)
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was once again left fuming over the referee’s decision to not award the club a ‘clear’ penalty, during their 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan. The Spanish manager also stated that Arsenal had put up their ‘best’ UCL display in years, despite losing the match.
The Gunners have been going through a tough phase. They have managed to win just one out of their last four matches in all competitions. Arsenal players failed to get past a solid Inter Milan defense, losing 1-0. Hakan Calhanoglu scored the winner for Inter, converting a 45th-minute penalty that was awarded against Mikel Merino‘s handball. However, the visitors’ claim for a penalty in the 28th minute was ignored, despite Merino being fouled in the penalty box by Yann Sommer, while trying to head away a ball.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Mikel Arteta complained about the referee’s decisions throughout the match. He also expressed surprise over the ‘harsh’ treatment by the officials. He found it difficult to agree with the decision to penalize Merino while terming his handball as spontaneous and a deflection. Moreover, he added that his side should have been awarded a penalty after Sommer punched Merino in the head. He also stated that these decisions were really difficult to accept for him.
We were very harshly done by in the sense that is obvious. Both penalties. If you are going to give a penalty, the other one has to be 100 percent a penalty because he punches him in the head.
Mikel Arteta to reporters (H/T Bein Sports)
Mikel Arteta: “I feel like we were very harshly done tonight — in the sense that is obvious. One of them, both [penalties]. Especially if you’re going to give that one [Merino handball], the other one has to be 100 percent a penalty.” ?
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Despite these setbacks, Arteta felt that his side performed well against Inter, after a run of disappointing results. Arsenal are still reeling with the shocks of their recent 1-0 defeat to Newcastle. Mikel Arteta however, expressed confidence in his side, ahead of their upcoming EPL encounter against Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta insists that Arsenal’s vision will continue, despite Edu Gaspar’s exit
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insisted that the club’s ambitious vision will continue, despite sporting director Edu Gaspar departing the club. The Brazilian announced his decision to leave, ending his six-year-long stint in North London.
Arteta and Edu have been widely credited for the club’s resurgence, making them Premier League title contenders. Speaking to reporters following the 46-year-old exit, Arteta reiterated that the club would continue with their vision and plan. He also praised Arsenal’s strong leadership. Moreover, he added that there is a lot of excitement and passion regarding the club’s journey ahead.
The plan and vision, that starts with the ownership, that is very clear and very ambitious is going to continue… We are not going to stop where we are at the moment.
Mikel Arteta following Eduu Gaspar’s departure (H/T BBC)
Edu Gaspar was pivotal in bringing Arteta to the club in 2019, and they both shared a great relationship. Arteta highlighted the chemistry that he had with the former sporting director, as he humbly acknowledged what the Brazilian had done for the club.
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Siddhartha Roy
(765 Articles Published)