ESPN FC presenter Dan Thomas has issued an on-air apology over comments made regarding Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s touchline antics.
Arteta was a highly animated figure in and indeed outside of his technical area during the second leg of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
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Arteta is known for going through all the emotions on the sideline during gamesCredit: Getty
Despite the passion on show from Arteta, who oversaw a 2-1 win on aggregate over Atleti thanks to Bukayo Saka’s second leg goal, it wasn’t to everyone’s taste.
What did Dan Thomas say about Mikel Arteta?
But Thomas took things a step further when he questioned whether Arteta’s actions deserved a ‘punch in the face’.
Thomas added: “I thought, today, Arteta out-Simeoned, [Diego] Simeone.
“The way he was running around at the end. It’s got to be frustrating, hasn’t it, as an opposition coach?”
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Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson meanwhile stated: “What is a coach on the side of the pitch supposed to do? He’s meant to coach the game, he’s meant to give instructions.
“All Arteta does, I think he’s doing it for himself, ‘Look at me, I’m great, I run this club, I do this, I do that… It’s just absolutely pathetic.”
Thomas’ controversial comments attracted plenty of criticism online, prompting the ESPN pundit to issue an apology to Arteta.
Statement
“I just want to make reference to something I said yesterday, an off-hand comment that landed literally,” Thomas said.
“Obviously, it was not intended to land that way.
“I’ve thought about it today and I could have phrased it in such a better way.
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Arteta has taken Arsenal to their first Champions League final since 2006Credit: Getty
“So, going forward I will definitely try not to say anything silly.”
With a spot in the Champions League final and the Premier League title race reaching its climax, a pundit questioning whether he should be punched is the least of Arteta’s worries.
Arsenal still on for double as crunch fixtures loom
The win over Atleti meant Arsenal qualified for their first Champions League final in two decades.
Arteta’s side will face defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in the final, with the bumper clash scheduled for May 30.
Before their shot at European glory, the Gunners will be fully focused on winning their first league title since the 2003/04 campaign.
Arsenal sit top of the Premier League on 76 points – five ahead of second-placed Manchester City with three fixtures remaining.
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City handed back control of the title race to Arsenal following their recent 3-3 draw at EvertonCredit: Getty
However, City have a game in hand, meaning they can shrink the margin to two points should they win that.
City, who were level on points with Arsenal after 33 games, may be left to rue a staggering collapse against Everton last Monday.
Pep Guardiola‘s side looked to be in cruise control thanks to Jeremy Doku’s first-half strike, but two goals in five minutes midway through the second half flipped the contest on its head.
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Everton even led 3-1 with less than ten minutes to go, only for Erling Haaland to pull one back and Doku to equalise with the last kick of the game.
Arsenal will look to take another step towards the league title on Sunday when they travel to face relegation-threatened West Ham United, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm.