Former Premier League referee Graham Scott has sharply criticised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, claiming the Spaniard left the technical area 44 times during Saturday's 2-0 victory over Everton before receiving a yellow card.
The Gunners secured three points at the Emirates Stadium, but Arteta's behaviour on the touchline reignited controversy after the final whistle. The London boss stated he is compiling video footage of other league managers frequently stepping out of their areas and questioned why they do not face similar punishments.
This season, Arteta has already received two warnings and could face a one-match ban should he receive a third yellow card. Scott disputed the manager's claims, emphasising Arteta's systemic breaches of the rules:
Honestly, this is the height of arrogance. I reviewed the game against Everton, and he left the technical area 44 times before he saw the yellow card. These were separate incidents where he would run out and then return. Whenever Everton had the ball near him, it seemed like he was participating in the pressing. The assistant referee constantly admonished him, but he ignored it. If anything, the warning came far too late. I would be very surprised if he isn't leading the chart for boundary violations.
However, the former referee acknowledged that the gradient at the touchline at Arsenal's stadium might complicate things for the Spaniard:
The only thing I can partially sympathise with him on is the noticeable slope in the technical area. If you don’t stand at the very top, there's a risk of literally toppling back. Look at the opposing area: David Moyes is always right at the line. But the markings are there for a reason. If the technical area is not needed, remove the lines altogether and let them do whatever they please.
