RED MIST
Arsenal submit official appeal to FA over Myles Lewis-Skelly red card that left Mikel Arteta raging
Ian Wright was among the large group of ex-pros who berated the decision
ARSENAL have officially appealed the controversial red card that Myles Lewis-Skelly received against Wolves at the weekend.
The teenager was sent off in the 43rd minute for a challenge on Matt Doherty.
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Lewis-Skelly tripped the defender as Wolves began to break away on the counter attack following an Arsenal corner.
He was immediately dismissed by referee Michael Oliver, much to the dismay of Mikel Arteta and Co.
After the match, the Spaniard was reluctant to say too much about it but declared: "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."
Fans and pundits were also left raging, with some branding it "the worst decision ever."
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It is understood the Gunners were hoping that the PGMOL would overturn the decision - much like they did when Bruno Fernandes was "wrongfully" sent off against Tottenham in September.
But with that still yet to happen, Arsenal chiefs have made the decision to submit one themselves.
Club legend Ian Wright berated the state of Premier League officiating after the controversial red card incident.
He said: "It’s a joke. Anyone who has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, 5-a-side, Sunday League, they know it’s never a red.
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"Yellow card and nobody says a word. Time and time again this level of refereeing the decisions in the Premier League, the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies. All of them are the centre of attention for me.
"We can’t criticise too hard because otherwise where are the referees going to come from. Where are we going to get them?
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants FA to overturn controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red card
"But I’m sorry. This is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees.
"When will the Premier League bring the best referees into the so called best league in the world. At the moment with this level of refereeing we’re nowhere near it."
Meanwhile, Alan Shearer branded it "one of the worst decisions that I’ve seen in a long time."
The PGMOL released a statement on Sunday condemning the abuse directed at Oliver after the match.
It read: "We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.
"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.
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"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."
Arsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue again
ARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.
It was the Gunners' fourth sending off this season and they had not won any of their matches without 11 players this term.
But Arsenal showed their character and battled past Wolves 1-0.
Here is how SunSport rated the players' performances.
DAVID RAYA – 8/10
Very little to do until the 63rd minute when he brilliantly tipped a deflected Matheus Cunha effort wide. He then stopped Rayan Ait-Nouri in a one-on-one in the 84th minute.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6
Was having another fine game before being the victim of one of most ludicrous red cards in Prem history. His cynical trip was worthy of a yellow and nothing more.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 7
Arsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.
GABRIEL – 7
Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 6
Hit with some nasty challenges that required treatment – including one that had Joao Gomes sent off – but carried on playing and was resolute.
DECLAN RICE – 7
More of a goal threat than in recent weeks and stood up when Arsenal needed him.
THOMAS PARTEY – 7
Steady Eddie for most parts back in his favoured midfield position after spells at right-back this season. Displayed his importance to this side once more.
ETHAN NWANERI – 6
Unfortunately made way at half-time as a sacrificial lamb following Lewis-Skelly’s sending off. Was a lively, creative spark in the first-half.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5
In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Belgian is on corner-taking duty, but his deliveries were woeful. A quiet afternoon that sums up why he is in and out of the team currently.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
Was lacking that clinical edge in the first half, but came up with the cross after the break that led to Arsenal’s vital opener.
KAI HAVERTZ – 7
Missed two glorious first half chances with his head and another in the second half, but worked tirelessly on his own – especially with Arsenal down to ten.
SUBS:
RICCARDO CALAFIORI (NWANERI, 45) – 8
The sort of goal that keeps title dreams alive. Added real height and danger aerially, as well as a sweet volley from a tough angle.
KIERAN TIERNEY (MARTINELLI, 87) – N/A
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