Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off in Arsenal’s slender win against Wolves at the weekend and the FA have confirmed how long he will be banned for after a Gunners appeal
Arsenal’s appeal against the red card shown to Myles Lewis-Skelly during their narrow victory over Wolves has been successful, with the Football Association (FA) overturning the controversial decision. The young defender, who was initially handed a three-match suspension for an alleged serious foul play incident, is now available for selection in Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League fixtures.
A Contentious Decision Sparks Debate
During Arsenal’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, Lewis-Skelly was sent off after a challenge on Matt Doherty. The decision, made by referee Michael Oliver and subsequently confirmed by VAR, was deemed to meet the criteria for “serious foul play.” However, the incident sparked immediate outrage from Arsenal players, fans, and pundits, who felt the red card was unjustified.
How can this be a red card on Myles Lewis Skelly.
Ridiculous! pic.twitter.com/faBJFDFmy7— Imanuel (@Manuel_PoG) January 25, 2025
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was visibly frustrated after the match, voicing his displeasure over the decision. “It is that clear that I leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming, but I leave it with you. Because it is that obvious. I don’t think my words are going to help,” Arteta said in his post-match interview.
The club wasted no time in lodging an appeal, seeking to overturn what they saw as an unfair ruling that could have significant repercussions for their campaign.
FA Rules in Favor of Arsenal
Following an independent review, the FA confirmed that Arsenal’s appeal had been upheld. In a statement, the governing body said:
“An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension. The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, 25 January 2025.”
This decision means that Lewis-Skelly is immediately eligible to feature in Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures, including crucial matches against Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Leicester City. The ruling comes as a relief to the Gunners, who are currently in a heated race for a top-four finish.
Arteta Reacts to the Verdict
Reacting to the successful appeal, Arteta expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. “Yeah, obviously really happy that the decision has been made and Myles is going to be available for us,” the Arsenal boss stated. The 18-year-old defender, who has traveled with the squad to Spain for Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Girona, will now rejoin the first-team setup without the burden of suspension.
The ruling has further fueled discussions surrounding the consistency of refereeing decisions in the Premier League, particularly with the use of VAR. Many pundits and former players have criticized the decision-making process, arguing that officiating inconsistencies are negatively impacting the game.
Backlash Against Referee Michael Oliver
The controversy surrounding Lewis-Skelly’s red card has unfortunately led to serious consequences for referee Michael Oliver, who has faced a barrage of online abuse, including threats against him and his family. In response, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and the Premier League have issued strong condemnations of the threats and launched investigations into the matter.
A statement from the Premier League read:
“The Premier League strongly condemns the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver. No official should be subject to any form of abuse. We will continue to support Michael, PGMOL, and all investigations.”
PGMOL also voiced their concern, stating:
“We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture. No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”
Arteta Calls for an End to Abuse in Football
In light of the abuse directed at Oliver, Arteta made an appeal for respect and fairness in football, emphasizing the need to protect those involved in the game. “Every time I talk about this topic—whether it’s a player, a coach, or a referee—it doesn’t matter. We have to try hard to eradicate it from the game. It damages our sport. So let’s get it out,” the Arsenal manager urged.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the treatment of referees in the modern game, with increasing calls for stricter measures to combat online abuse and ensure the safety of match officials.
A Critical Period for Arsenal
With the appeal successfully overturned, Arsenal can now shift their focus back to their Premier League and Champions League campaigns. The Gunners are in a crucial stage of the season, battling to secure a top-four finish and aiming for European success.
Their next few matches are pivotal, with a high-profile encounter against Manchester City looming large. Having Lewis-Skelly available provides Arteta with additional defensive options as Arsenal look to strengthen their squad depth in the final stretch of the season.
Lessons from the Controversy
The incident highlights the ongoing debate over VAR’s impact on the game, with many calling for a more transparent and consistent approach to officiating. While technology was introduced to minimize errors, it has instead become a focal point for controversy, with several high-profile decisions coming under scrutiny this season.
Arsenal’s successful appeal serves as a reminder that the system is not infallible, and clubs must remain vigilant in ensuring that justice prevails when incorrect decisions are made. Moving forward, the hope is that the Premier League and FA can address these concerns to enhance the credibility of refereeing decisions in the competition.
As for Lewis-Skelly, the young defender will be eager to put the controversy behind him and continue his development as an integral part of Arsenal’s squad. With Arteta’s backing and the full support of the club, he will be looking to make a strong impact in the upcoming fixtures
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