Referee Under Fire: Arsenal challenge Myles Lewis-Skelly dismissal

Arsenal have lodged an appeal to overturn the controversial red card shown to Myles Lewis-Skelly during their 1-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday.

The young defender was dismissed in the 43rd minute after a late tackle on Wolves’ Matt Doherty just outside the box, as he attempted to halt a counter-attack. Referee Michael Oliver issued the red card, a decision later upheld by video assistant referee (VAR) Darren England.

If the appeal is unsuccessful, Lewis-Skelly faces a three-match suspension, ruling him out of Arsenal’s crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City on Sunday, the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at Newcastle next week, and a league fixture against Leicester on February 15.

After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration with the decision. Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, he described the call as “so obvious” that it required no further explanation. Later, in an interview with Sky Sports, Arteta admitted he was “absolutely fuming.”

The red card has sparked widespread debate, with criticism coming from former officials and pundits alike.

The match also saw Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori ultimately sealed the win with the game’s only goal.

Meanwhile, the referees’ body, PGMOL, revealed that police are investigating threats and abuse directed at referee Oliver following the contentious match.