Richard Keys has launched a scathing attack on Mikel Arteta’s ‘out of control’ Arsenal side after they received a second Football Association charge in the space of a week for failing to control their players.
Six days after they were hit with the same alleged breach following their goalless Premier League draw against Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners have again found themselves in hot water.
The most recent charge relates to an incident in the first half of Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round tie against Oxford at the 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 aid of VAR – waved away Arsenal’s protests as the ball went out for a corner. The Gunners have until Monday to respond to their latest charge.
An FA statement read: ‘Arsenal FC has been charged with breaching FA Rule E20.1 during its tie against Oxford United FC in The FA Cup on Monday 9 January 2023.
‘It’s alleged that Arsenal FC failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 34th minute and the club has until Monday 16 January 2023 to respond.’
BeIN Sports presenter Keys has been a regular critic of Arteta’s in recent weeks, irked by his touchline histrionics and has urged the governing body to intervene and prevent the Arsenal manager from straying outside his technical area.
Responding to the Premier League leaders’ latest charge, Keys said: ‘When there’s no discipline nor example of how to behave coming from the coach what do people expect?
‘This is The Arsenal – a classy outfit – like the coach – out of control. It’s sad to witness.’
Asked about the calls for him to keep a lid on his touchline antics, Arteta said: ‘If I think I have to change something, believe me, I will look in the mirror and change it.
‘I will always try to be better. Whatever I do, if it is tomorrow or the next day, is to make the club stronger, my players better, play better and win.
‘People can have their opinions. I try to do my best for this football club, to defend it, to promote it, to play with the passion I believe the game has to be played with.
‘There are moments – it is not the way I behaved against West Ham, every game is special. Every manager behaves differently regarding the circumstances.
‘You cannot take the context out of a situation – I don’t think that is fair. That’s me! Whether I am here or on the pitch, that’s me – the good and the bad!’
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