Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi to AVOID punishment for insisting he dislikes ’80 percent of referees’ – infuriating Arsenal who feel they are being singled out after Mikel Arteta was charged after his Newcastle outburst
- De Zerbi will avoid punishment despite saying he ‘dislikes’ most referees
- Arteta was charged after calling Newcastle’s winner against Arsenal a ‘disgrace’
- City-Liverpool is difficult to referee… but our campaign is running – IAKO
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi will avoid punishment from the Football Association over his comments about his dislike of ’80 percent of English referees’ – leniency that has angered Arsenal after Mikel Arteta was charged for his own tirade.
After Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield United, in which Mahmoud Dahoud was shown a red card before the international break, De Zerbi said of the Premier League match officials: ‘I am honest and clear. I don’t like 80 percent of English referees.
‘It’s not new. I do not like them. I don’t like their behavior on the field.’
Mail Sport can reveal that the FA will not charge the 44-year-old Italian after reviewing his post-match comments.
Instead, they issued De Zerbi a formal warning regarding his future behavior.
Roberto De Zerbi will escape punishment despite insisting he hates ’80 percent of referees’
Arsenal are unhappy with the FA’s leniency after Mikel Arteta was charged over his outburst over Anthony Gordon’s winner for Newcastle earlier this month
Arteta described Gordon’s winning goal as ‘an absolute disgrace’ after their 1-0 defeat
Arteta was blasted for his outburst after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle when he described Anthony Gordon’s winning goal as “an absolute disgrace” and added: “We need to talk about how on earth this goal stands up.” I am ashamed.
‘It should not be a goal for more than one reason. I’ve lived in this country for over twenty years and it’s nowhere near the level of the best league in the world.’
The FA announced their charges against the 41-year-old Spaniard last week, stating: ‘It is alleged that his comments constitute misconduct because they are insulting to match officials and/or are prejudicial to the game and/or bring the game into disrepute. ‘
Arteta was given more time this week to respond to his complaint against the FA and it is understood Arsenal may cite De Zerbi’s comments in their defense as he feels it shows double standards and is singling them out.
The fallout from managers’ comments comes as Mail Sport this week launched our campaign calling on all of football to show respect towards referees, from the Premier League down to the grassroots.
Arsenal feel they are being singled out and will cite De Zerbi’s comments made after the 1-1 draw with Sheffield United (pictured) to defend Arteta against his FA charge
Arteta has been given more time by the FA to respond to charges over his comments
