The late Sir Bobby Robson, a legendary figure in English football, would have likely been disappointed by Arsenal’s reaction to their controversial loss to Newcastle last season.
Known for his emphasis on sportsmanship, Robson once famously told Arsenal that true class in football means knowing how to lose with dignity—a message that felt especially relevant as Mikel Arteta’s frustration boiled over in his post-match comments.
Robson’s philosophy was simple: both victory and defeat should be met with grace. He was known to tell his players that part of the beauty of football lies in respecting the joy of the winning team, no matter how difficult the loss. His influence extended to José Mourinho, who would later recall Robson’s advice during a rare moment of sportsmanship, visiting the Bradford City dressing room to congratulate them after Chelsea’s FA Cup loss.
Robson’s remarks to former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger in 2001, following a Newcastle win at Highbury, felt particularly relevant last year when Arteta lashed out after a defeat at St. James’ Park. Nearly a year ago, Arteta was visibly upset with the officiating, labeling it a “disgrace” and criticizing the decisions that led to Newcastle’s controversial goal.
In an intense interview after the match, Arteta expressed his frustration, pointing to what he saw as multiple errors in the lead-up to the goal. “It’s not a goal for many reasons,” he said, “there’s just too much at stake here, and it’s a disgrace.” He even questioned the quality of the Premier League’s officiating, a sentiment that raised eyebrows and stirred debate.
Arteta’s anger didn’t end there. A day later, Arsenal released a strongly-worded statement criticizing the officiating body, Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL), and called for urgent improvements. They argued that the defeat was caused by “unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors,” adding fuel to the fiery discourse around the match.
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Robson would likely have seen the club’s statement as a step too far, crossing from justified frustration into a calculated attempt to sway future officiating. In his eyes, reacting this way to a single defeat would be a departure from the integrity that defines the sport. Football, he believed, was about more than just one game; it was about respect, even in the toughest of losses.
This season, Arsenal returns to the North East with hopes of redemption, but the tension between the clubs remains high. Their recent clashes have been marked by hostility, adding an extra layer of intensity to what has become a highly charged fixture. When Newcastle held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at the Emirates last January, even the directors felt the tension, with post-match handshakes notably missing.
During that game, Newcastle slowed down play and used tactics that some saw as disruptive, frustrating the home side. Later in the season, Arsenal returned the favor by using similar methods to keep Newcastle at bay in a 2-0 victory. With each side accusing the other of gamesmanship, the rivalry has only intensified.
Ahead of their latest meeting, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe kept his words diplomatic, calling Arsenal “a top team with a top manager.” Privately, though, sources suggest he found Arteta’s past comments disrespectful to the team’s efforts, making the upcoming game even more anticipated.
The touchline has also seen its fair share of tension, with Newcastle assistant manager Jason Tindall often involved in heated exchanges with Arsenal’s staff. The interactions between both benches have become as much a part of the match drama as the play on the pitch.
As fans prepare for another tense encounter, the atmosphere will no doubt be electric. Newcastle will look to channel their home advantage, using every moment of past frustration to push forward in front of their own supporters. However, both clubs could benefit from remembering Robson’s wise words.
No matter the result, a touch of the respect Robson championed would remind everyone that football’s essence lies in both celebration and humility. The rivalry will undoubtedly remain fierce, but a little sportsmanship could go a long way in honoring one of English football’s grand old knights.
