A presenter for global sports outlet ESPN who had unleashed excessive criticism toward Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (44) eventually issued an official apology.
ESPN FC presenter Dan Thomas became the center of controversy after criticizing Arteta's touchline behavior during the broadcast on the 6th (Korean time) and saying "shouldn't someone throw a punch in his face?"
Arsenal, managed by Arteta, won 1-0 in the second leg of the 2025-2026 Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League (UCL) semifinals against Atlético Madrid, advancing to the final with a 2-1 aggregate score from the two legs.
When Bukayo Saka's opening goal came in the 44th minute of the first half, Arteta left the technical area and celebrated wildly. Thomas criticized that, saying "Arteta looked more like Diego Simeone than Simeone himself," and that the opposing manager must have felt very frustrated.
Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson, who appeared alongside him, also launched harsh criticism, saying, "A manager should give instructions, not behave like he's running this club," and adding, "it's truly disgusting."
But Thomas's "facial punch" remark met fierce backlash online. After criticism poured in, Thomas bowed his head on the next broadcast and said, "I want to address the thoughtless remark I made yesterday. That was not the intention I wanted to convey."
He added, "I could have expressed that in a better way," and apologized along with a pledge to prevent recurrence: "I will try not to say such foolish things going forward."
On the 9th, British outlet Talksport emphasized, "Arteta has no time to be concerned with such sideline squabbles. Arsenal have reached the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years and are set to contest the trophy on May 31 against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)."
It added that "Arsenal currently have 76 points, five points ahead of second-place Manchester City (71). City have played one fewer game, but their shocking 3-3 draw with Everton recently, which left them reeling, has been a boon for Arsenal," noting that Arsenal are competing for the league title.
Arsenal will attempt to secure the title on the 11th against West Ham United. West Ham sit 18th with 36 points and are in a fierce relegation battle with Tottenham (37 points).
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