Arsenal have successfully had Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card overturned after a formal appeal, following the young left-back’s dismissal during the Gunners’ 1-0 victory at Wolves.
The decision to send off Lewis-Skelly, made by referee Michael Oliver, had sparked outrage among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning the fairness of the call. The incident occurred late in the first half when Lewis-Skelly fouled an opponent on the edge of the Wolves’ box, a cynical challenge that stopped a counter-attack but was not preventing a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Mikel Arteta was outspoken in his frustration with the decision, which saw his team reduced to 10 men just before the break. Despite the early setback, Arsenal managed to hold onto their slim lead for the remainder of the match, securing a vital three points. Arteta expressed his relief and satisfaction following the successful appeal, which also meant that the three-match suspension handed to Lewis-Skelly was rescinded, allowing him to return to the team without further delay.
The FA confirmed the decision to overturn the red card in a brief 46-word statement, acknowledging that an independent Regulatory Commission had upheld Arsenal’s claim of wrongful dismissal. However, the statement did not provide detailed reasoning for why the decision had been reversed. The incident had been widely criticized, with many seeing it as a harsh punishment given the nature and location of the foul, which occurred far from goal.
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Arteta, while pleased with the outcome, condemned the abuse directed at referee Michael Oliver in the wake of the decision. He stressed the importance of eradicating such behavior from the game, stating, “We have to work harder to eradicate that part of the game… It should not be permitted, we don’t want it, we don’t need it.” The issue of abuse towards referees has been a growing concern in football, with Arteta urging for a more respectful environment both on and off the pitch.
In an effort to support their appeal, Arsenal had planned to use the example of Bruno Fernandes’ overturned red card in the match between Manchester United and Tottenham. Fernandes had also been dismissed for a challenge that many felt was not worthy of a red card, and his appeal was successful after being reviewed by the FA. Arsenal’s use of this precedent in their own case seemed to have played a part in the positive outcome for Lewis-Skelly.
This marks the fourth red card of the season for Arsenal, with the club hoping that this overturned decision will prevent further setbacks as they push for a strong finish in the Premier League. With Lewis-Skelly now available for selection again, Arteta’s squad is strengthened, and the focus shifts back to their upcoming fixtures, with the Champions League clash against Girona looming large on the horizon.
