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Michael Owen labels Mikel Arteta 'embarrassing' and 'disgraceful' for criticising refereeing standards after his side's 1-0 defeat by Newcastle - and slams 'classless' Arsenal for releasing a statement in support of their manager

Related Topics: Mikel Arteta, Michael Owen, Arsenal

Michael Owen has hit out at Mikel Arteta following the Arsenal manager's scathing criticism of refereeing standards in the Premier League.

Arteta was furious that a number of decisions did not go his side's way in a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United, with Anthony Gordon's controversial winning goal particularly difficult for him to accept as he labelled the current level of officiating 'embarrassing' and 'disgraceful'.

Arsenal went on to release a statement on Sunday in support of Arteta's comments, doubling down on them by suggesting players, coaches and supporters 'deserve better' than the current standard of refereeing.