Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left fuming over Paul Tierney’s officiating as the Gunners suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat at Tottenham on Thursday night.
With the visitors leading 1-0 thanks to Harry Kane’s penalty, the Gunners were reduced to 10 men in the 33rd minute when Rob Holding was shown a second yellow card for preventing Heung-min Son from racing in behind.
This completely changed the game, with the hosts scoring a second minutes later before Son sealed the victory in the second half.
Speaking after the match, Arteta accused the referee of ‘destroying a beautiful game’, but insisted he could not speak into details as it would attract a ban.
“If I say what I think I am suspended for six months,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “I don’t know how to lie so I prefer not to say what I think. I cannot say what I think.
“I want the referees to come in front of the camera and explain his decisions. It’s a shame because such a beautiful game was destroyed today.
“I am not unhappy with my players. I am proud of my players. The decision was made. We can’t change it. The referee has to make a decision in football.”
Following the defeat, Arsenal’s advantage over their London rivals was reduced to just a point in the race for Champions League qualification with two games left.
Up next for the Gunners is an away clash against Newcastle in their penultimate match of the Premier League season.
