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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Alex Young

Furious Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta brands Nicolas Pepe red card ‘unacceptable’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta did not hide his disappointment after seeing club-record signing Nicolas Pepe sent off for a headbutt against Leeds.

Just five minutes into the second half, Pepe was spotted on cameras bringing his head towards Ezgjan Alioski and referee Anthony Taylor brandished a straight red to after watching replays on a pitchside monitor.

Arsenal, who lost 3-0 to Aston Villa before the international break, were second best for the majority and will be relieved to come away with a point.

Asked by Sky Sports about Pepe's red card, Arteta bluntly replied: "It is unacceptable. Unacceptable. At this leve you cannot do it.

"Considering how early we got Pepe sent off we have to take it. I never like a draw but in the circumstances it's a point. It is unacceptable."

He added: "With 10 men it is a big disadvantage. I really liked the personality of the team when Pepe let the team down, how we stuck to do what we had to do and had a moment or two to win the game, but obviously it makes it really difficult."

This weekend get a £10 free bet with Betfair, when you bet £10 on a Same Game Multi on the Premier League.

Terms: Min £10 Same Game Multi bet on any EPL match this Fri - Sun. Free bet valid for 72 hours, awarded at bet settlement. Excludes cashed out bets. T&Cs apply.

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