Ex-Premier League referee hits out at "disaster" red card in Arsenal's win at Wolves and urges action
Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off by Michael Oliver during Arsenal’s game against Wolves at the weekend.
Arsenal managed to escape a tight affair with Wolves as they won 1-0 at Molineux on Saturday afternoon thanks to a Riccardo Calafiori goal in the 74th minute.
The Italian’s goal won’t be considered the most memorable part of the game, however, as Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially shown a straight red card by Michael Oliver after a challenge on Wolves defender Matt Doherty.
Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes was then sent off later in the game before Calafiori was able to net the Gunners’ winner. It leaves Mikel Arteta’s side second in the Premier League table, six points off league leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand.
However, following the game, debates have been taking place as to whether Arsenal will appeal the red card decision on Lewis-Skelly with many believing that Oliver was harsh to show him red.
Former Premier League referee calls out PGMOL after Lewis-Skelly red card
Ex-PGMOL boss and Premier League referee Keith Hackett has criticised Oliver for showing a red card to Lewis-Skelly during the game, saying that it was a “disaster” for the referee to send off the Arsenal defender.
He said on X: “It’s Arsenal and once again they are at the end of a very poor refereeing decision. Michael Oliver -that is not a red card and if I was you I would tell [Howard] Webb that you do not want to work with your VAR Darren England. Between you it was a disaster to send off that Arsenal player.”
VAR checked the red card decision, but it was ruled as the correct verdict, much to the frustration of the travelling Arsenal fans. Lewis-Skelly is now set to be suspended for three games, should any appeal by Arsenal prove to be unsuccessful.
The decision could have cost Arsenal the game against Wolves, which could have helped Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the table, having huge implications on the Premier League title race. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said to BBC Sport after the game: “[The decision] so obvious that today you don't need my words. I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you.”
How many games could Myles Lewis-Skelly miss?
If the Gunners don’t manage to successfully appeal Lewis-Skelly’s red card, he will be banned for three games for ‘serious foul play’ according to the Premier League’s red card rules.
That means that he will miss Arsenal’s next game in the league, a crucial meeting with rivals Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday. City are now fourth in the league after a 3-1 win against Chelsea.
Lewis-Skelly would then miss the Gunners’ Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle. They lost 2-0 in the opening fixture at the Emirates, and face a tough test at St James’ Park in order to get to the final.
They then face a Premier League game against Leicester City the following weekend, which Lewis-Skelly would also be in line to miss, should any appeal prove to be unsuccessful.