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Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal showed resilience after Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card at Wolves, as they fought back to earn a hard-fought victory over Vitor Pereira’s team.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has issued a new statement regarding the controversial red card shown to Myles Lewis-Skelly during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. This comes amid growing demands from Arsenal fans for the removal of referee Michael Oliver from officiating duties.
PGMOL has stood by Oliver’s decision, stating that the challenge was “extremely late” and the point of contact was high, justifying the red card for serious foul play. They also defended the VAR process, asserting that there was nothing in the replays to suggest Oliver’s decision was incorrect.
Shortly after Lewis-Skelly’s red card, the Premier League Match Centre account confirmed that VAR reviewed and upheld the decision, deeming the challenge as serious foul play.
Later, Sky Sports provided a more detailed explanation from PGMOL, stating that the challenge was extremely late with a high point of contact, which video evidence supported.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Arsenal emerged victorious against Wolves, thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s decisive goal. However, unless Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card is overturned, he will be unavailable for the upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester City and the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle.
The decision has sparked significant backlash, with many feeling that it was an overly harsh call. Former referee Keith Hackett described it as a “major error,” and there have been multiple petitions calling for Oliver’s removal from refereeing.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment with the decision, hoping it would be overturned without the need for an appeal. The club is now considering its next steps, with the possibility of appealing the red card decision.
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