BREAKING: FA offer huge update as Mikel Arteta delays response to Newcastle comments charge

Mikel Arteta is to be given more time to respond to an FA charge made against him after his controversial comments in the aftermath of Arsenal's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle. The Spaniard was officially charged last week with a breach of FA Rule E3.1 following comments that he made in media interviews after Arsenal’s Premier League game against Newcastle United.

The game was decided in contentious fashion as Anthony Gordon's winning goal survived three separate VAR checks before being given. This prompted a furious response from Arteta after the game.

«We have to talk about the result because you have to talk about how the hell this goal stand ups and it’s incredible,» he said in his post-match press conference. «I feel embarrassed but I have to be the one now coming here to try to defend the club and please ask for help, because it's an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed; it’s an absolute disgrace.»

These words were echoed more generally by Arsenal in an official club statement. «Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,» it read. «We’d also like to acknowledge the huge effort and performance from our players and travelling supporters at St James’ Park.

»The Premier League is the best league in the world with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better. PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies.

«We support the ongoing efforts of Chief Refereeing Officer, Howard Webb and would welcome working together to achieve the world-class officiating standards our league