Richard Keys has launched a devastating attack on Mikel Arteta’s ‘out of control’ Arsenal side after they lost a second American football Association sued in the space of a week for failing to monitor their players.
Six days after being hit with the same alleged foul following their Premier League goalless draw against Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners are once again in hot water.
The most recent charge relates to an incident in Arsenal’s first half FA Cup third round draw against Oxford at Kassam Stadium when a number of players surrounded referee David Coote.
Albert Sambi Lokonga’s shot appeared to be blocked by Elliott Moore’s hand, but Coote – without the help of VAR – waved Arsenal’s protests away as the ball went out for a corner kick. The Gunners have until Monday to respond to their latest charges.
An FA statement read: ‘Arsenal FC have been charged with breaching FA rule E20.1 during the draw against Oxford United FC in the FA Cup on Monday 9 January 2023.
“It is alleged that Arsenal FC failed to ensure that its players behaved in an orderly manner during the 34th minute and the club has until Monday, January 16, 2023 to respond.”
BeIN Sports presenter Keys has been a regular critic of Arteta’s in recent weeks, irked by his sideline hit-and-run and has urged the governing body to step in and prevent the Arsenal manager from straying beyond his technical territory.
In response to the Premier League chiefs’ latest charge, Keys said: “If there is no discipline or example of how to act from the coach, what do people expect?
“This is The Arsenal – a classy outfit – just like the coach – out of control. It’s sad to see.’
Asked about the calls to control his antics on the sidelines, Arteta said: “If I think I need to change something, believe me, I will look in the mirror and change it.
“I will always try to get better. Whatever I do, whether tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, is to make the club stronger, make my players better, play better and win.
‘People are allowed to have their opinion. I try to do my best for this football club, to defend it, to promote it, to play with the passion with which I think the game should be played.
“There are times – it’s not the way I behaved against West Ham, every game is special. Every manager behaves differently according to the circumstances.
‘You can’t take the context out of a situation, I don’t think that’s fair. That’s me! Whether I’m here or on the field, that’s me – the good guys and the bad guys!’
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