Why is Mikel Arteta banned for Arsenal vs Southampton?

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·25 Mei 2025

Why is Mikel Arteta banned for Arsenal vs Southampton?

The Arsenal manager was punished for time-wasting during the win over Newcastle

Mikel Arteta will not be in the Arsenal dugout for today's Premier League clash against Southampton.

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The Gunners' final game of the season is away at the division's bottom side as they look to record back-to-back league victories for the first time since early April.

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Having beaten Newcastle last weekend, Arsenal confirmed their place in next season's Champions League which means they will not be involved in any of the final day drama.

That said, the north London do still mathematically need a point to seal a top-two finish as there is a scenario - albeit an highly unlikely one - where they slip to third behind Manchester City.

Regardless of the outcome, Arteta will be absent from the dugout at St Mary's as a result of time-wasting during the 1-0 win over Newcastle.

Arteta was shown a yellow card by referee Simon Hooper for kicking a ball back onto the pitch as Newcastle defender Emil Krafth was waiting to take a throw-in.

That meant the Spaniard had been booked three times across all competitions this season, and therefore, he will be absent from the touchline this afternoon.

Unlike rules for players, there is no cut-off point for bookings for managers. Therefore a manager can be at risk of a suspension for three bookings right up until the penultimate fixture of the season.