Mikel Arteta facing ‘special punishment’ after what pundit has seen at Arsenal
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could be set for a “special punishment” as authorities look to clamp down on his touchline antics.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Gunners boss’ behaviour.
As seen in footage from the Sky Sports Premier League Twitter account (22 January), Arteta was booked by referee Anthony Taylor for his protests after a foul on Bukayo Saka.
Arteta was also roundly criticised earlier this month (3 January) for his antics after seeing two penalty appeals turned down in a 0-0 draw against Newcastle.
McManus insists the Spaniard will be handed a “special” punishment if he continues his antics
“It’s been ridiculous, the way he has been conducting himself,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“We all like to see passion, the fans love to see it. But there is a line that can be crossed and Arteta has been crossing it all the time this season.
“I’m just wondering if he will get a special punishment, something to really put a marker down. The league might punish him to say to other managers ‘you can’t do this anymore’.
“We can’t let managers do this on regular basis. There needs to be some protection on the officials, they need to be able to do their jobs.”
Arsenal remain five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
They also have a game in hand on second-placed Man City.
In other news, pundit tips Arsenal to complete Declan Rice deal after “sensational” news.