LIBERTY SKELL
Myles Lewis-Skelly ban OVERTURNED as FA release statement on Arsenal star’s red card
It comes after sick abuse was sent to referee Michael Oliver
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY's controversial red card was 'wrongful' and his automatic ban has been overturned, the FA have announced.
The Arsenal teenager was sent off in the 43rd minute of his side's weekend clash with Wolves 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 a Gunners corner.
He was immediately dismissed by referee Michael Oliver - much to the anger of Mikel Arteta and his fuming players.
Arsenal launched an appeal and the FA have now confirmed Lewis-Skelly's suspension has been lifted.
It read: "An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.
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"The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, January 25, 2025."
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited took the same approach they gave to Bruno Fernandes - who was "wrongfully" sent off against Tottenham in September.
Arsenal 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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Mark Halsey's view
By Mark Halsey
Michael Oliver should not be given any Arsenal games by his refereeing bosses.
The PGMOL will keep him away from Arsenal for a while, which is the right thing to do.
When there is friction between a ref and a club that is the right thing to do, why create a problem for yourself.
Taking him away from Arsenal is not derogatory towards Michael and his ability. It is common sense.
You cannot question the integrity of a referee. The referee goes out and referees what is in front of him.
There are millions of people watching him, he has an evaluation on his game too. You don't prejudge anything.
"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."
Alan Shearer branded it "one of the worst decisions that I’ve seen in a long time."
Ref Oliver was subject to sick abuse including death threats following the contentious red card - leading to a police probe.
Police have even been guarding the official's family home since the incident.
And 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.
"Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.
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"We will continue to support all investigations."
Lewis-Skelly, 18, is now available for Arsenal's next match against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday.
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