Not backing down! Mikel Arteta will contest the FA's decision to charge him for 'embarrassing' VAR comments after Newcastle defeat

After Arsenal's loss to Newcastle, courtesy of a controversial Anthony Gordon winner following three video checks, Arteta criticized VAR decisions meted out by Stuart Attwell and Andy Madley, calling them "embarrassing" and a "disgrace" to the sport. The Gunners manager was subsequently charged with a breach of FA rule E3.1 as his comments allegedly "constitute misconduct" and "are insulting towards match officials and/or detrimental to the game and/or bring the game into disrepute."

Arteta has until Friday to respond to the charges and according to Mirror, the manager will not back down and contest the charges. The club stood firmly behind their manager and even released a statement to that effect with Declan Rice also coming out in supportof his coach.

The FA emphasizes stricter rules on manager-referee interactions Arsenal reportedly feel they have been singled out. Roberto De Zerbi escaped the red eye of the FA after commenting that he dislikes “80 per cent of England’s referees” after Brighton were held to a draw by Sheffield United. Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino also escaped punishment after he angrily confronted referee Anthony Taylor on the Stamford Bridge pitch after the thrilling 4-4 draw with Manchester City.

Arteta could face a potential touchline ban and a fine if proven guilty. However, he can still be present in the dugout on Saturday against Brentford if the ban is not announced before the match.