Mikel Arteta has spoken to the media ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Sevilla.
Arteta has made headlines this week after he unleashed a furious rant on the back of Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United.
The Arsenal boss was unhappy with the decision to award Newcastle’s goal after firstly the ball looked like it went out of play before Joe Willock crossed it in. Secondly, Gunners defender Gabriel Magalhaes looked like he was fouled by Magpies player Joelinton, who had two hands on the defender's back.
Advert
On the back of his rant, Arsenal released a statement in which they supported the comments made by Arteta.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s match against Sevilla in the Champions League, Arteta explained why he spoke in the way he did after the Newcastle match.
He said: “My duty is to defend my players and my club in the best possible way.
Advert
“It is what I intend to do time after time. I always do it and will take my responsibility to do it. It's the way I am. I have to defend my club."
When asked about the response the club's statement has received after former Manchester United defender Gary Neville branded it as 'dangerous', Arteta said: "Again, we have a duty to express how we feel with the evidence we have and the history we have."
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said: “I thought Arsenal's statement was really poor.
Advert
“The day after Liverpool wrote their statement mentioning 'sporting integrity' and looking at all options and suggested a replay.”
He continued: “I thought it was quite dangerous. Arsenal's statement was quite dangerous too.”
SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated news channel to send you the latest news, features and plenty more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.
Featured Image Credit: ArsenalTopics: Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Champions League, Football