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‘This is laughable’ say fans as Arsenal CHARGED by FA after reaction to Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs Wolves
Lewis-Skelly's dismissal was deemed 'wrongful' just days ago
THE FA has charged Arsenal for "improper" conduct against Wolves on Saturday.
Arsenal stars were left furious when Myles Lewis-Skelly received a straight red card at Molineux for a cynical foul on Matt Doherty around 90 yards out from goal.
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They subsequently surrounded referee Michael Oliver to appeal the decision just before half-time.
And the Gunners have now been charged for the incident.
An FA statement read: "Arsenal FC has been charged after its players surrounded a match official during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers FC on Saturday, 25 January.
"The club allegedly failed to ensure that its players did not behave in an improper manner around the 43rd minute.
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"Arsenal FC has until Monday, 3 February, to provide a response."
The Gunners went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to a 74th-minute strike from summer signing Riccardo Calafiori.
Mikel Arteta was left "fuming" as a result of the red card despite the win.
However, Oliver's controversial decision was overturned earlier this week following an appeal.
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Lewis-Skelly's dismissal was deemed to be "wrongful" and his three-game suspension was rescinded.
Arsenal used footage of Bruno Fernandes' red card against Tottenham in September - which was also overturned - as part of the appeal.
Moment Mikel Arteta gives Michael Oliver 'death stare' after shaking his hand following Lewis-Skelly red card blunder
Arsenal fans have been left baffled by the FA's decision to charge the club - especially because the incident that led to the uproar was considered incorrect.
One person said: "Boy we are living rent free in your minds these days. This is laughable."
Another questioned: "How many times Man City were charged despite doing it every single game?"
While a third commented: "Haha this is becoming a joke."
Numerous fans, ex-players and pundits lambasted the decision to send Lewis-Skelly off after the match at the weekend.
Ex-Gunner Ian Wright 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.
"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.
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"We can’t criticise too hard because otherwise where are the referees going to come from. Where are we going to get them?
"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.
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"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."
Arsenal ratings vs Girona as Neto has a shocker on debut but is rescued by wonderkid
NETO endured a nightmare Arsenal debut against Girona but had 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to thank for sparing his blushes.
SunSport's Henry Tomlinson has provided his ratings for the Arsenal team...
Neto - 4
He made his long-awaited debut, having joined Arsenal on loan from Bournemouth last summer.
The goalkeeper got away with an early mistake and was caught out by former Spurs star Arnaut Danjuma.
Thomas Partey 45' - 6
Too aggressive from the right-back spot and was beaten for pace by Danjuma as Girona opened the scoring.
Partey struggled with the winger for much of the game which gave the hosts an edge.
Managed to win a penalty to give Arsenal a route back into the game after a needless challenge but was hooked at half-time.
Jakub Kiwior - 6
The defender put in a decent shift at the back and was able to keep Abel Ruiz quiet for much of the match.
Gabriel Magalhaes - 6
Like Kiwior, Gabriel was fairly solid against Girona and dealt with most of the danger from the hosts.
Riccardo Calafiori 69' - 6
Thought he scored the opener but was a good foot offside.
Continued to be positive up the wing and helped the Gunners up the pitch.
Mikel Merino - 6
Merino was fine against Girona. It was not a performance that will grab headlines but did what he needed to do in midfield.
Jorginho 80' – 7
It's been a while, but the Italian was back on the scoresheet after converting from the spot in the 38th minute.
The midfielder was composed on the ball and helped recycle the ball and control possession.
Martin Odegaard - 6
It was a quiet night for the Gunners captain as he helped the team maintain the ball but lacked that creative spark.
Raheem Sterling - 4
Struggled to make a big impact in the first half and was the weakest of all of the Gunners' frontline.
To make matters worse, he was booked for diving in the 70th minute.
And just as he though it couldn't get even worse, he missed a penalty late on.
Leandro Trossard 69' – 6
Should have given Arsenal the lead early on but was unable to deflect the ball goalwards.
Continued to prob and rattled the crossbar before the break with a powerful effort.
Ethan Nwaneri 85' - 8
The youngster showed why he is one of the most promising players at the club with a wonder strike in the first half.
He wrapped a curling effort into the top corner before half-time on his first Champions League start.
His goal saw him become the second youngest English goalscorer in the history of thre Champions League.
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Jurrien Timber 45' - 6
Added some energy down the left-hand side after replacing Partey at half-time.
Kai Havertz 69' - 6
Got involved in the attack but struggled to find a clear scoring chance,
Myles Lewis-Skelly 69' - 6
Another comfortable outing for the impressive youngster.
Declan Rice 80' - 6
Came on in the final stages to help solidify the defence for the Gunners and put in some dangerous corners.
He did pick up a booking late on.
Gabriel Martinelli 85' - N/A
Replaced Nwaneri late on and looked dangerous on the wing for the final minutes.
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