Arsenal have appealed against Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in the 1-0 win over Wolves which left Mikel Arteta “absolutely fuming”, Sky Sports News understands.
With the first half reaching its conclusion, Lewis-Skelly caught Matt Doherty near the edge of the Wolves box and referee Oliver sent off the 18-year-old for serious foul play – leading to a significant backlash against the decision.
The defender is currently set to miss Arsenal’s home game with Manchester City, live on Sky Sports next Sunday, as well as the televised second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with Newcastle and the Premier League trip to Leicester on February 15.
When asked whether the club would appeal in the immediate aftermath of the game, Arteta told Sky Sports: “That’s for the club to decide what is the best decision. It’s obvious that maybe we don’t even need to [put in an appeal].
“He’s really happy now that the team won and found a way to win it. He is very worried about what’s coming next because he’s strongly feeling that there was nothing to do with the action.”
Arsenal won 1-0 thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s second-half winner – which came four minutes after Joao Gomes was given a second yellow card for what looked a worse challenge than Lewis-Skelly’s on Jurrien Timber.
“It is that clear and I will leave it to you guys,” Arteta told Sky Sports regarding the original decision. “I am absolutely fuming. But I will leave it with you, it is that obvious that I don’t think my words are going to help.”
The reaction to Oliver’s decision became so severe on social media that the PGMOL, the body in charge of English refereeing, issued a rare public statement on Sunday calling out the online abuse which had already prompted a police investigation.
“We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Arsenal fixture,” they wrote.
“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.
“The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced. We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.
“Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times. We will continue to support all investigations.”
Separately from the appeal and the incident itself, Sky Sports News understands Arsenal will continue to support the PGMOL and Michael Oliver over the abuse he has received.
PGMOL: Video evidence supports decision
The PGMOL’s position on the incident is the challenge is extremely late, the point of contact is high and video evidence supports that conclusion.
The refereeing body adds Oliver has been subjected to social media abuse.
Gallagher: It’s not a red card
The Ref Watch panel take a closer look at the sending-off
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher on Ref Watch:
“I think it is breaking up a promising attack. That’s my opinion and other referees see it differently.
“Lewis-Skelly realises Doherty is away and his priority is to stop him quickly, and he flicks out. It’s a very cynical foul but not a red card. It’s not the worst decision in the world like people say.
“Referee Michael Oliver feels, and still feels, that he goes down his Achilles. If that’s what he thinks, referees are told now that a tackle with studs down the Achilles has to be a red card.
“I don’t think he does. It happens very quickly. But for me, I think it is a yellow card for stopping a promising attack. Is the challenge with brutality? Is it with malice? Is it gaining intensity and speed? I think not.”
Calafiori: It was never a red card, Lewis-Skelly was upset
Meanwhile, match-winner Calafiori also felt it was not a red card for Lewis-Skelly – saying the 18-year-old was upset about the call in the half-time break.
“From the bench, it was clearly not a red card. I saw him at half-time, he was so disappointed for the team. But at the end, we won. So nothing happened,” said Calafiori.
“He was upset but now he’s happy because we won for sure. He’s a good footballer, a good guy, so we help him a lot.
“He’s really happy now that the team won and found a way to win it. He is very worried about what’s coming next because he’s strongly feeling that there was nothing to do with the action.”
Despite scoring the winner in his side’s 1-0 win at Wolves, Riccardo Calafiori could not hide his frustration at the controversial red card awarded to Lewis-Skelly
Arteta admitted Lewis-Skelly was feeling better after the team had won but hopes any appeal will result in the defender being allowed to play the next games.
How social media reacted to Lewis-Skelly’s red card
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