Arteta keeps dossier of rival managers' touchline misdemeanours after second booking

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed he is compiling a dossier of images showing rival Premier League bosses leaving their technical areas, after receiving his second yellow card of the season for the offence during the Gunners' victory over Everton on Saturday.

  • Match: Arsenal vs Everton (Premier League)
  • Incident: Arteta booked for leaving technical area
  • Key quote: "I have now a massive storage of images"
  • Claim: Another manager has left touchline 36 times in 10 minutes without a yellow
  • Context: BBC Sport study found Unai Emery spent most time outside technical area

What was said

"I do have to be careful. They should put sensors there."

— Mikel Arteta, on receiving his second yellow card of the season

"There are managers who have the record in the league, 36 times in 10 minutes [they] leave the touchline - no yellows."

— Mikel Arteta, highlighting inconsistency in officiating

"I am clipping all of that so I have now a massive storage of images, so if somebody comes to me I can say, 'I am not in the record yet'. Somebody else has the record so let's see."

— Mikel Arteta, explaining his dossier of evidence

"Then it's 36 yellow cards in 10 minutes for the managers. I don't know what we are going to do - let's see."

— Mikel Arteta, sarcastically suggesting a solution

Arteta's comments highlight his frustration at being punished for an offence he believes is widespread among his peers. The Arsenal boss feels he is being unfairly singled out and has taken it upon himself to gather evidence.

The dossier, which he describes as a "massive storage of images", is intended to be used as a defence if he is questioned again about his touchline behaviour.

The numbers

  • 36 – number of times one manager left the touchline in 10 minutes without a yellow, according to Arteta
  • 36 – number of yellow cards Arteta jokingly suggested would be needed if that rate were punished
  • 2 – Arteta's yellow cards this season for leaving the technical area
  • April 2025 – date of BBC Sport study into managers' touchline behaviour

Who is the mystery manager?

Arteta did not name the manager who holds the record he claims, but a BBC Sport study in April 2025 found that of current top-flight bosses, Aston Villa's Unai Emery spent the most time outside his technical area.

That study, which watched every Premier League manager, could point to Emery as the culprit, though Arteta's dossier may contain evidence on several others.

Why Arteta is making a point about consistency

The Arsenal manager's decision to compile a dossier is a calculated move to shift the narrative around his touchline behaviour. By highlighting the disparity in officiating, he is putting pressure on referees to apply the rules consistently. Arteta has long been known for his animated presence on the touchline, but he insists he is not the worst offender.

His use of the phrase "I am not in the record yet" suggests he believes others are far more culpable. The dossier is both a shield and a weapon – a way to deflect criticism from himself and to question the fairness of the disciplinary process. It also serves as a warning to other managers: Arteta is watching.

For Arsenal, the focus remains on maintaining their impressive form. The win over Everton keeps them on track, but Arteta's sideline antics are a distraction he could do without. Whether the dossier ever sees the light of day remains to be seen, but its existence adds another layer to the psychological battle between managers.

Talking points

  • Should managers be allowed to leave the technical area freely, or is strict enforcement necessary to maintain order?
  • Is Arteta right to feel victimised, or is he simply deflecting from his own behaviour?
  • Does the BBC Sport study exonerate Arteta or does it highlight a wider problem for the Premier League?
  • Would sensors in the technical area be a practical solution, or an overreaction?

What happens next

Arteta will be back on the touchline for Arsenal's next Premier League fixture, where he will be hoping to avoid a third yellow card. The dossier, meanwhile, could become a talking point if he is questioned again. Premier League managers will be watching their step – Arteta certainly is.

Frequently asked questions

Why did Mikel Arteta get a yellow card against Everton?

Arteta received his second yellow card of the season for leaving the technical area during Arsenal's victory over Everton on Saturday.

What is in Mikel Arteta's dossier?

Arteta has compiled a "massive storage of images" showing other Premier League managers leaving the touchline without punishment.

Which manager has the record for leaving the technical area?

Arteta did not name the manager, but a BBC Sport study from April 2025 found Aston Villa's Unai Emery spent the most time outside his technical area among current top-flight bosses.

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