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Premier League leaders Arsenal have been charged with misconduct by the Football Association following Tuesday’s feisty draw against Newcastle.
Arsenal surrendered their 100% home record after a 0-0 draw against Newcastle which boiled over in the closing stages after the Gunners were denied a 95th minute penalty.
Both referee Andy Madley and the VAR adjudged Jacob Murphy to have accidentally handballed Granit Xhaka’s cross which prompted a furious response from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard had already been riled by Madley’s decision to add on just five additional minutes despite a series of stoppages for substitutions and alleged timewasting from Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Madley was confronted by several Arsenal players after he opted against pointing to the spot and the protests continued after the final whistle which has led to an FA chrage.
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“Arsenal FC have been charged with a breach of FA rule E20.1 following their Premier League match against Newcastle United FC on Tuesday, January 3 2023,” the statement read.
“It is alleged that Arsenal FC failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion in the 95th minute, and the club have until Tuesday, January 10 2023 to respond.”
Arteta has been heavily criticised for his touchline antics and was branded a clown by former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, meanwhile, has hit back at accusations that his side were guilty of time wasting.
The former Bournemouth gaffer insisted his team are not in the business of winning any popularity contests as they continue their unlikely top four charge.
“We are not here to be popular and to get other teams to like us. We are here to compete and to compete, we have to give everything to try and get a positive result.
“I’ve got no issue saying that. That is our job and that’s what we’re going to try and continue to do.”
