Mikel Arteta insists he will continue to speak freely on refereeing decisions despite being handed a Football Association charge for comments he made after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle. The Gunners boss labelled VAR’s decision to not overturn Anthony Gordon’s 64th minute winner “an absolute disgrace”. Arteta, who said that he has submitted observations he made during the match to the FA, highlighted the importance of freedom of speech and believes communication is key if the standards of refereeing are to improve. He said: “I am going to speak (in the future). I think you have to be yourself and as a leader you have to be authentic. You can not be someone you are not and this is who I am. “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. “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.” Arsenal face Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday bidding to build on their dominant 3-1 victory over Burnley. Arteta branded the west-London club as one of the best run in the league and reflected on Arsenal’s opening day 2-1 defeat to the Bees in 2021. “Two years ago we had a really tough start to the campaign there,” Arteta added. “We have learnt from that, they are a really tough opponent and it’s a really difficult place to go to. They make it extremely difficult, they are really effective, they are well coached and it will be a tough match. “With Thomas (Frank), the coaching staff and the club, they are one of the best run clubs in the league. To get a better game we need freedom of speech, respectfully and in a constructive way but we have to promote that. Mikel Arteta “I’ve followed them for many years and the things they do with their structure and process alongside their vision is incredible to achieve what they have so credit to them. “They have achieved to get to this level and have maintained it with so many demands as well.” Arteta also emphasised Takehiro Tomiyasu’s influence at the club despite recent reports linking the defender with a move away from the Emirates. “I really want him to stay,” Arteta said. “I value the player a lot and I really like him. He’s loved and respected by everyone at the club, he’s getting a lot of minutes at the moment and he will remain with us.” Read More Manchester United ‘identify candidates’ for Raphael Varane successor Dallas Cowboys cruise to Thanksgiving win over Washington Commanders Jack Draper suffers opening-rubber defeat as Serbia seize control at Davis Cup Man Utd forward Rasmus Hojlund in race to be fit to face Everton Ben Curry has career goal of playing for England alongside twin brother Tom ‘Grass ceiling’ facing black footballers highlighted by new diversity data

The NFC goes through Philadelphia

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When Katie Taylor fought Chantelle Cameron in Dublin in May, Conor McGregor was ringside – an Irish fighting icon watching from the front row, as another went to war in the ring. McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout also sponsored the event, where 37-year-old Taylor suffered the first loss of her professional career – a remarkable career, in which the Irishwoman has been a pioneer for female boxing. Forged Irish Stout is also sponsoring Taylor’s rematch with Cameron on Saturday, when the boxers return to the 3Arena, where Cameron retained her undisputed super-lightweight titles against the undisputed lightweight champion six months ago. Earlier this week, Forged Irish Stout even erected a 14ft statue of Taylor in her hometown of Bray, 20 miles south of Dublin. McGregor, 35, is expected to be ringside again on Saturday, supporting Taylor who is an altogether different personality than the former UFC champion. “We have different personalities, but he’s obviously a very proud Irishman as well,” Taylor told Behind the Gloves in May. “He definitely is crazier, [but the sponsorship] is amazing. “Conor McGregor’s obviously a big name here, so it’s great to get the support off him for this event as a whole. It’s super!” Meanwhile, McGregor, who has not fought since breaking his leg in July 2021, had this to say of his compatriot in May: “Katie’s a super woman – for God and for country, that’s what she is. She stands by her beliefs, she called her shot, and I’ll always back Katie – all the way. “[She] brought big-time boxing back to the capital! [Katie,] you are a credit to the nation of Ireland, and the sport of boxing is indebted to you forever! Let’s go! With you all the way! Proud to back you.” Read More Katie Taylor: ‘I hate these press conferences, there’s nothing to say!’ ‘She’s not an athlete, she’s a deity’: Katie Taylor and a nation in awe Katie Taylor: ‘Failure is where all your growth happens’

Real Madrid are ready to offer a new contract to manager Carlo Ancelotti, despite the Italian having an initial agreement to take charge of the Brazil national team.

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