Premier League table-toppers, Arsenal have been issued a formal warning by UEFA after a delayed kick-off during their Champions League tie with Sporting CP, adding fresh pressure on manager Mikel Arteta.
UEFA’s disciplinary report urged the north London club to tighten pre-match procedures and ensure players are ready to begin at the referee’s whistle.
Arsenal avoided a fine but were told further offences could lead to financial penalties or touchline sanctions during their upcoming semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
While Arsenal escaped a fine, Real Madrid were slapped with a €20,000 fine for a delayed kick-off during their recent quarterfinal tie with Bayern Munich, according to Fox Sports.
The development comes as former Arsenal midfielder Jorginho criticised Arteta’s tactical methods. The Italy international, who left the club to join Flamengo, said the manager’s heavy focus on set pieces made training feel like “homework”.
Speaking to The Times, he said: “I had to find a place where I could enjoy football again.
“Arteta likes to put special focus on set pieces. But to me, it feels like boring homework.
“When you do your homework, you will get results. But when you put so much focus on set pieces, you won’t play beautiful football.”
