Ex-Arsenal star Malcolm Macdonald states that manager Mikel Arteta should have been sanctioned for his behavior against Newcastle United.

Arteta was fuming on the touchline during the game, ranting at the referee, fourth official, and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe in the 0-0 draw.

Arteta had been furious about refereeing decisions, but Macdonald does not believe that excuses his behavior.

He told The Mirror: “I thought Mikel Arteta looked quite pathetic in the way he was carrying on.

“If I were a member of the Arsenal board I would have hauled him in and really taken a strip off him for behaving in that fashion. That is not the Arsenal way of doing things.

“Having played there I know that only too well. I know the ownership has gone very American these days but nevertheless, there is still this tradition and standards which need to be upheld.

“I thought that Arteta went way beyond the pale. Eddie Howe, the Newcastle manager, is absolutely right in saying that players want to see a manager who is cool and calm and who is in control of the situation. The Arsenal players in seeing Arteta's antics will feel it's alright to go chasing the referee. They are just following suit."