Mikel Arteta insists 'I defended my opinion' after escaping FA ban for calling refereeing in Newcastle defeat 'a disgrace' - as Arsenal boss seeks to 'draw a line now'

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta claimed that he defended his opinion during the FA's inquest into his actions following a controversial defeat to Newcastle.

Arteta was cleared of any charges on Thursday, despite having publicly described the decision to award a goal against his side 'a disgrace' on television, before repeating his statement. 

As such, his comments were quickly put under review, with the FA investigating whether it constituted a breach of article E3.1, i.e. whether they were offensive towards a referee or match official, brought the game into disrepute or were detrimental to the game.

An independent panel on Thursday confirmed that the charge was not proven after assessing Arteta’s response to the allegations. It ends a saga which has lasted nearly six weeks.  

It was accepted by the panel that the Arsenal manager’s comments were largely focused on the ‘deficient’ state of VAR, rather than criticism of the officials’ performance and integrity. 

Now, the Gunners boss admitted that he 'defended' his view in conversations with the FA, although he claimed he was unable to divulge the exact details of his discussions. 

'I defended my opinion. I’m fully supportive of how we have to improve the game. We have the duty to do that. It’s good to discuss things in an open way,' he said.

When asked whether he could comment on the improvements that he had suggested, he added: 'Those are private meetings that I can't explain, sorry.' 

Of the process itself, he said: 'I think it was a really good, well run process. It gave the opportunity for both of us to say how we felt. 

'I think we have to draw a line now and look at how we can be more constructive. I felt a lot of sympathy to be fair as I explained the pressure we feel as managers and how important details are. 

'The reality was that 14 managers lost their jobs and we depend on results. When the outcome is that important we depend on it. I think it was a really good process.'

Arteta's Arsenal welcome the Seagulls to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday knowing that they will need to get back to winning ways if they want to retake top spot in the Premier League.

The Gunners manager admitted that he has a great respect for his opposite number Roberto De Zerbi having followed his career 'since he was at Sassuolo'.  

The Gunners have last the last three matches in north London against De Zerbi's side, and will be looking to put an end to that run against an inconsistent Brighton side. 

Brighton have only won two of their last five games in the top-flight, drawing with strugglers Burnley and Sheffield United and losing to Chelsea. 

Their record against sides from the capital has also been poor, winning just once in five attempts in all competitions. 

They beat Brentford at the Amex, but have suffered defeats to West Ham and Chelsea (twice), as well as drawing with Fulham in the league.