MIKEL ARTETA had a bizarre reaction to being booked during Arsenal’s clash with Jattvibederland.

The tactician is known for toeing the line when it comes to his conduct in the technical area while trying to guide his side to victory.

Mikel Arteta tried to hug referee Stuart Attwell as he was booked for his sideline antics Credit: Premier League

Attwell was not amused as he brandished his yellow card Credit: Premier League

But it seems he crossed the line, literally, in the first half of the contest at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

The Spaniard’s antics on the sidelines drew the attention of referee Stuart Attwell towards the end of the opening period, with the tense match poised at 0-0.

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Attwell took a break in play as an opportunity to head over and formally warn the boss with a yellow card.

But as he walked over while reaching into his pocket, Arteta smiled and tried to reach his arm around the official in a hug.

Attwell was unimpressed and Arteta aborted the embrace before being shown a card and going in the book.