ARSENAL’S Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off in the first half of their Premier League clash with Wolves. The Gunners went on to take the 3 points courtesy of a Calafiori winner, however the defender’s dismissal sparked uproar following the match.
Towards the end of the first half, Lewis-Skelly looked to purposefully trip Wolves’ Matt Doherty as he was breaking away inside his own half.
Michael Oliver was the referee for the match, and took no hesitation before brandishing a straight red card in the Arsenal youngster’s direction. The decision was checked and confirmed by VAR at Stockley Park.
Arsenal have today, 28th January, submitted an appeal against the red card.
The North London side have submitted full evidence and reasons to overturn to the FA . If the Gunner’s appeal is unsuccessful, Lewis-Skelly will serve a 3-match ban, which will see him miss this Sunday’s crucial match vs Manchester City.
The Premier League and PGMOL released a statement explaining the highly disputed decision.
‘The referee’s call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play.’ The statement read.
PGMOL have defended the initial decision despite heavy backlash, and their position on the incident is that ‘the challenge is extremely late, the point of contact is high and video evidence supports that conclusion.’
The sending off left Arsenal and football fans alike baffled, and the anger was reflected by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. ‘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.’
PGMOL classes serious foul play as ‘a tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality.’ and have been sent a warning by former Premier League referee, Jeff Winter, who believes that it was the wrong decision to dismiss Lewis-Skelly.
‘You might expect me to say ‘that was a red card’, because I’ve just argued these fouls deserve more than a yellow.’ Winter told.
‘But we have to consider consistency. These incidents happen every week but I’m sure PGMOL will justify the red card.’
The FA are expected to make an imminent decision regarding Arsenal’s appeal.
