Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended his right to criticize Premier League refereeing standards after former player-turned-pundit Gary Neville accused him of influencing the Emirates Stadium crowd into believing referees are corrupt.
The Gunners were at the center of a VAR controversy during their 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend when young defender Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off for a challenge on Matt Doherty.
While some viewed the decision as harsh, as the tackle occurred on the edge of Wolves’ penalty area without posing significant danger, referee Michael Oliver wasted no time in reaching for a red card.
Arteta, his players, and the Arsenal fanbase were visibly frustrated by the decision, voicing their displeasure both on the pitch and across social media.
Throughout the week, while pundit Micah Richards labeled it the “worst decision in Premier League history,” Neville accused Arsenal of escalating tensions by making allegations of corruption.
Speaking on his Stick to Football podcast, Neville remarked, “They [Arsenal fans] use language like corruption, which implies referees are being paid off – which is obviously not true.”
The former Manchester United defender, widely considered one of the best right-backs in Premier League history, acknowledged that referees have always faced scrutiny. However, he pointed out that in previous eras, blaming the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) on social media was not the norm.