Mikel Arteta: Gary Neville issues shock claim on Arsenal boss as Jamie Carragher admits concern over ‘wow’ moment
Gary Neville has revealed the behaviour of Mikel Arteta was behind the rule change that will see referees crack down on managers’ touchline antics.
The Premier League, FA, EFL and the referees’ governing body have unveiled a series of new rules ahead of the new campaign. And it appears as though managers and coaches will need to control their behaviour in the technical area. Both managers and players have been warned that officials will act if they confront, invade the personal space of, or make physical contact with officials.
In addition, only one member of the coaching team will be permitted to stand at the front of the technical area at a time.
The new laws came into force during Sunday’s Community Shield clash between Arsenal and Manchester City.
And Arteta was shown a yellow card after only 18 minute’s of the season curtain-raiser.
The Spaniard was reportedly sanctioned for arguing with the fourth official over whether a City player should have been booked.
He is known as a manager who speaks his mind during games and has been warned by referees on many occasions.
And Neville has now revealed that the former Everton midfielder’s antics prompted the authorities to take action.
“I spoke to a non-league coach and they had a briefing in pre-season about touchline behaviour,” he said on The Overlap.
“And they said that Arteta was a big reason that it was brought in, because of last season’s behaviour.”
Carragher concerned by Arteta actions
The Premier League is unquestionably Europe’s top football league. With that status comes pressure on players, managers and club owners.
Coaches react in different ways, with many unable to hide their frustration at a questionable refereeing decision.
The likes of Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola and, while at three different English clubs, Jose Mourinho have all fallen foul of match officials.
Arteta is no different and Jamie Carragher confessed that he was surprised at the way Arsenal’s boss struggled to control his emotions at Wembley.
“I thought it was interesting watching the game how wound-up Arteta was on the side of the pitch after about 10 minutes,” the Sky Sports pundit said.
“I love passion, we [Liverpool] have got Jurgen Klopp, you love it when he’s involved and we all love to see our managers show that.
“But I just thought it was too much. Ten minutes into the Community Shield?
“He got a yellow card himself because he wanted someone booked for pulling a shirt and I thought, ‘Wow’.
“He was that incensed this early season. It’s like, this is a long season – a very long season – they’re back in the Champions League as well.”
Arteta admitted that he will need to modify his touchline behaviour during the coming months.
His next test will be when Arsenal host Nottingham Forest in their Premier League opener on Saturday.
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