Mikel Arteta says football 'should not give up on VAR' despite previously calling match officials 'embarassing'

11 months ago 50

Arteta believes football will be in a 'really good place' if VAR is used correctly
Arsenal face Wolves tomorrow with both having VAR decisions go against them
We expected perfection from VAR - we haven't got it: Listen to It's All Kicking Off

By Isaan Khan For Mailonline

Published: 16:47 GMT, 1 December 2023 | Updated: 00:51 GMT, 2 December 2023

Mikel Arteta believes football should not give up on VAR — and that it needs more time to work effectively - despite being hugely critical of the technology this season.

Arsenal face Wolves tomorrow, with both sides having been on the end of recent controversial refereeing decisions.

The FA have until next Friday to issue Arteta with a sanction for his comments after the Gunners’ Newcastle defeat last month, which saw the Spaniard label match officials 'embarrassing' after a controversial Anthony Gordon goal secured a 1-0 win for the Magpies.

And manager Gary O’Neil on Monday said ‘maybe tonight has finally turned me against VAR’ after a controversial penalty decision saw Wolves lose 3-2 to Fulham.

When asked whether football should give up on VAR, Arteta said: ‘No, I think we can improve it and we are trying to do that.

Mikel Arteta has said football should stick with VAR despite his recent furious criticisms over it

Mail Sport has launched a campaign to stop the abuse of referees at all levels of the game

‘All those things that are happening I think are probably necessary to improve it and we have to take it that way. It has been a big change.

‘Technology is taking a huge responsibility in games and it needs time. If we use it the right way — we are listening to people, we are open, we are humble and we are trying to be constructive — I think we will get to a really, really good place.’

On facing more VAR controversies, he quipped: ‘I have enough in my garden.’

Kai Havertz goes into the match having scored in two consecutive games, with a renewed sense of confidence.

Arsenal - like Wolves - have been the victim of some controversial VAR decisions in games

He had fumed over a controversial strike by Anthony Gordon that cost them against Newcastle

Arteta added: ‘He’s been very positive, he’s been so influential in a good way to his team-mates and the team.

‘But obviously his confidence grows, he’s really looking forward to something. When you feel loved, when you feel respected and when you feel admired, things are much easier.

‘Your energy is better, your body language is better and I think that is the way he’s felt in the last few days.’