'Is he still working, Richard?' - Martin Keown goes in 'two-footed' on Richard Keys after Arteta criticism

Martin Keown skewered Richard Keys after the beIN Sports presenter criticised Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

Arteta was furious after his side were denied two penalties in a midweek 0-0 draw against Newcastle, first when Dan Burn pulled back Gabriel Magalhães after a free kick, and then when Jacob Murphy appeared to handle the ball in the box.

The Spaniard was wildly gesticulating on the touchline throughout the encounter, motivating his team and lambasting the referee in equal measure.

At one point the Gunners manager even appeared to clash with Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, while the table-toppers were pushing for a winner.

Arteta’s touchline antics led to criticism from swathes of the media.

In particular, former Sky anchor Keys, now of beIN Sports in Qatar, was scathing of Arteta’s behaviour.

"Seriously - when is someone going to get control of Mikel Arteta?" Keys asked on Twitter. "He’s an embarrassment. Totally out of control during games."

The broadcaster revisited the argument hours later while discussing other matters, claiming "His pitchside behaviour is the scandal - nothing else.”

Keown critical of Keys

Former Arsenal centre-back Keown defended Arteta’s touchline behaviour and was critical of Keys in the process.

When asked on TalkSPORT if Arteta had crossed the line during Arsenal's draw with Newcastle, Keown claimed: “It didn’t offend me.

“Who was it, Richard Keys? Is he still working Richard? I think Richard’s had a little go. What’s he having a go at?

“I think he’s just trying to create a headline because he’s on the other side of the world and no one’s really listening.

“But Arteta knows how to behave and he's been outstanding in what he’s done this season.

“They’re a million miles from winning something because Man City find a way - that’s what you’re up against - and they’re ten years ahead in terms of what they’ve been building. Nevertheless, I think Arsenal are doing really well.”

TalkSPORT presenter Alex Crook subsequently said, “That was an audio equivalent of a two-footed Keown tackle by the way” to which Keown responded, “I hope he’s listening.”

On Arteta’s enthusiastic touchline decorum, the Gunners legend added: “I’m not going to tell him how to behave. I want a bit of passion.

“I certainly don’t think the manager is a clown. People saying that is absolutely ridiculous. He’s full of passion, he’s been quite brilliant all season.

“He’s the one, he’s the catalyst. He’s driving, he’s pushing. You can see that energy. He energises his team to go and match that enthusiasm on the touchline.

“Yes, of course, he has to keep a lid on things.”