Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card against Wolves OVERTURNED as FA release 46-word statement and Mikel Arteta condemns trolls who targeted Michael Oliver
Arsenal have ben successful in their appeal of Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card, shown by Michael Oliver in the 1-0 win over Wolves.
The weekend’s victory for the Gunners was hugely overshadowed by a refereeing decision that drew widespread criticism, and saw Arsenal reduced to 10 men just before the interval.
Lewis-Skelly was given his marching orders for a foul on the edge of the Wolves’ box, which, while cynical in nature given it halted a counter-attack, came around 70 yards from his own net, and so was not preventing a goal-scoring opportunity.
The decision caused uproar, with Mikel Arteta left ‘fuming’ at the controversial red card, though he was quick to note his pleasure at the outcome of the appeal process, which also rescinds the three-match ban handed to his young left back.
The FA released a 46-word statement on Tuesday afternoon confirming that Lewis-Skelly would be free to return to action, though there was little explanation as to why the call had been overturned.
‘An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card has been rescinded along with the three-game ban he was given
The young left back was dismissed for ‘serious foul play’ in the Gunners 1-0 win over Wolves
Lewis-Skelly has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the season for his impressive displays
‘The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, 25 January 2005.’
Arsenal boss Arteta was naturally quick to comment on the development in his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Girona in the Champions League.
‘[I am] very happy the decision has been made,’ said the Gunners boss, who now has less of a selection headache at the weekend.
However Arteta was quick to point out the abuse received by Oliver in the wake of his award of the red card had no place in the game.
‘We have to work harder to eradicate that part of the game…,’ he added.
‘It should not be permitted, we don’t want it, we don’t need it… Let’s get it out.’
As first reported by Mail Sport Arsenal planned to use Bruno Fernandes’ sending off against Tottenham as evidence in their appeal to the FA.
The Manchester United captain quickly saw his red card overturned after the club’s protestations.
Lewis-Skelly will now be available for Arsenal’s crunch clash with Man City at the Emirates
Michael Oliver was sent sickening abuse after his controversial red card decision
Fernandes was handed his marching orders by referee Chris Kavanagh in the 42nd minute of the match at Old Trafford for a challenge on James Maddison.
At the time, Fernandes said: ‘Never a red card – that is my view. I agree that it is a foul.
‘The referee tried to tell me that as he saw it was a clear contact with the studs. No. I didn’t touch him with the studs or even the foot, it was my ankle. It is a clear foul.
‘If he wants to give me a yellow because they are going to go on a counter then I agree. But more than that, no. It is not the case.’
Just two days later, the FA rescinded Fernandes’ red card.
Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal was the fourth Arsenal have received this season.
