Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he will continue to freely air his views on refereeing decisions despite facing a Football Association charge.
He called the Video Assistant Referee’s decision to not overturn Anthony Gordon’s winner “an absolute disgrace”.
“I am going to speak. I think you have to be yourself and as a leader you have to be authentic,” Arteta said.
“You cannot be someone you are not and this is who I am.”
Arteta, 41, has formally submitted his thoughts to the FA in relation to his comments over Gordon’s 64th-minute goal, which ended Arsenal’s unbeaten start in the Premier League.
There were three VAR checks – to see if the ball went out of play, if there was a foul and if there was an offside – which all came back in Newcastle’s favour.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday before their match at Brentford on Saturday evening, the Gunners boss cited the the importance of freedom of speech and said he believes communication will improve refereeing standards.
“We have [sent our observations to the FA] and we will try to give our point and the reasons why and there’s not a lot I can comment on,” Arteta added.
“When you get asked to give your observation you have to do it in the right way and there’s a process in place to do that.
“It is good that we are communicating and we all want to improve the game. Referees, managers, officials, sporting directors, journalists, we all want a better game.
“To get a better game we need freedom of speech, respectfully and in a constructive way, but we have to promote that.
“It is good that they are talking in front of the media about decisions because it brings clarity.”
‘Wherever I work, I will say my opinion’
Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi was given a formal warning by the FA after saying “I don’t like 80% of England’s referees” following their 1-1 draw with Sheffield United on 12 November.
He also said: “It’s not new. I don’t like them. I don’t like their behaviour on the pitch.”
Speaking for the first time since being warned about his future conduct, De Zerbi said: “I have always respected everyone, especially referees. I’m sorry for the controversy but for sure I will say my opinion while respecting everyone.
“I love talking honestly. Wherever I work, I will say my opinion – I think it’s my right.”
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will serve a touchline ban at Everton on Sunday after picking up three yellow cards so far this season.
He received the latest in the Reds’ win over Luton for protesting against a throw-in decision but, speaking on Friday, he said “you have to behave yourself even when they [the officials] make mistakes”.
He added: “Many decisions this season have gone against us – I saw a list we are number 18 in the league, but we have to accept it. Now a ban, that can be an advantage, have a better overview.”
