Ex-Arsenal vice-chairman accuses Mikel Arteta of harming the Gunners' reputation after VAR rant
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David Dean blasts Arteta for his reaction to VAR || Credit: Getty

Ex-Arsenal vice-chairman accuses Mikel Arteta of harming the Gunners' reputation after VAR rant

Stephen Oladehinde 13:43 - 20.11.2023

Former vice chairman of Arsenal David Dein has accused Mikel Arteta of harming the Gunners' reputation.

Arteta became enraged with VAR's handling of Anthony Gordon's winning goal and delivered a bitter outburst following his team's 1-0 loss to Newcastle. 

The manager called VAR 'embarrassing' and a 'complete disgrace' when it appeared that they overlooked three possible problems in the build-up to the goal.

David Dein has now stated that he would have penalised manager Mikel Arteta following his enraged VAR tirade.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager || Photo Credit: Imago
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager || Photo Credit: Imago

Dein’s comment on Arteta

Dein has expressed his disappointment at Arteta's response, insisting it was "unnecessary" and that she should have accepted the loss.

According to reports from Daily Mail, Dein said, “In 101 minutes of football we only had one shot at goal, so you can't really say that the team deserved to win. It is what it is.

Rormer Arsenal vice chairman David Dein || Credit: Getty
Rormer Arsenal vice chairman David Dein || Credit: Getty

“There is a process in place for how they deal with these things and I just think it was a little bit unnecessary. I don't think it did the image of the club any good.”

Regarding whether this would have happened while he was a member of the club from 1983 to 2007 Dein said, “It wouldn't have happened. 

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager || Credit: Getty
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager || Credit: Getty

“But we're in an emotional game and these things do happen, I think it's unfortunate, and you live and learn.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal issued a statement endorsing their Spanish manager but Dein has disclosed that he would have handled it differently.

The 80-year-old stated he would not have wanted to undermine the manager but he would have "probably" penalised Arteta. 

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