Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been told to be "careful" after his touchline outburst against Newcastle United. Arteta was heavily criticised for his emotional protests towards fourth official Jarred Gillett during the Gunners' frustrating 0-0 draw.
Manchester City were able to close the gap to the Premier League leaders after Arsenal dropped two points against the Magpies. The Gunners' lead at the top now sits at five points as the focus turns to the FA Cup third-round tie against Oxford.
Arteta blasted referee Andy Madley in his post-match interviews after the Spaniard felt his side should've been awarded two penalties, hitting out at the "scandalous" decisions during the match. Gary Neville disagreed with Arteta's claims and now the Gunners boss has been warned about his behaviour after he was caught up in a heated exchange with Eddie Howe late in the match.
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Former Liverpool player and SkySports pundit Graeme Souness has told Arteta to be "careful", whilst rubbishing claims that the Spaniard's actions are similar to that of Jurgen Klopp. "The point I make about Arteta is that he just has to be careful," Souness wrote in his column for the Mail.
"This is new territory for him and he has to find a way of coping with the increased levels of expectation. It is different with Jurgen Klopp. His reaction towards officials this season is borne more out of frustration."
This is not the first time Arteta has been the subject of widespread criticism for his behaviour, particularly given he's been known to have lost his cool with officials in the past. When Arsenal failed to take advantage of their chance to secure a Champions League spot last season, Arteta alleged that he'd be banned for "six months" if he gave his honest opinion of the referee's performance.
Fortunately for the Gunners boss, he'll have the opportunity to sit down and speak with new PGMOL boss Howard Webb in person in the coming months. The former Premier League referee is set to embark on a tour of all 20 clubs in a bid to improve the relationship between coaches, players and officials.
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