Ex-referee claps back at Mikel Arteta's technical area complaint and brings proof

Ex-referee Scott claims Arteta left his technical area 44 times before receiving a yellow card against Everton, contradicting the manager's complaint about inconsistent enforcement.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was booked for leaving his technical area during the 2-0 Premier League win over Everton, his second yellow of the season. In his post-match press conference, Arteta claimed he had been collecting evidence of other managers violating the same rule without punishment, citing one instance where a manager left the box 36 times in ten minutes without a card.

Former Premier League referee Scott responded on the Hawksbee and Jacobs podcast, revealing his own analysis of the Everton match. Scott said Arteta left his technical area 44 separate times before the yellow card was issued, and that the fourth official had repeatedly warned him without response. "If anything, the yellow card has come much too late," Scott said, suggesting Arteta would rank top of the league for technical area violations if properly tracked.

Scott did offer limited sympathy, noting the slope of Arsenal's technical area at the Emirates makes it physically difficult to stay within bounds, unlike other stadiums where the line is flatter. However, he maintained that the line exists for a reason and should be enforced consistently.