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The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents Panel voted unanimously that referee Michael Oliver’s decision to send off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly in their recent victory at Wolves was incorrect.
The video assistant referee for the Premier League game on January 25, Darren England, also made an incorrect call by not to requesting that Oliver should review the incident, according to the KMI Panel findings seen by the PA news agency.
Lewis-Skelly tripped Wolves defender Matt Doherty to prevent a counter-attack and was shown a straight red card, with Oliver’s decision upheld by VAR.
The decision was heavily criticised by pundits and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after the match, while Oliver and his family have been subjected to threats and abuse since the incident.
The KMI Panel said in its summary and review of the incident: “The on-field red card decision was deemed incorrect (5:0).
“A cynical trip to stop a counter-attack. The initial point of contact is high on the shin, but not forceful and with the side of the boot.
“This initial contact moves down quickly to the foot, meaning this foul should only result in a yellow card for a reckless challenge.”
On VAR’s handling of the incident, the KMI Panel added: “The panel deemed the VAR’s decision to not recommend a review incorrect (4:1).
“As the challenge doesn’t meet the considerations for serious foul play as there is no evidence of speed, force or full contact.
“One panellist felt this was not a clear and obvious error and supported the no VAR intervention as ‘this should remain the referee’s call’.”
Following the match at Molineux, which Arsenal won 1-0, Oliver was subjected to what his employer Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) described as “abhorrent attacks” directed at him and his family.
Referee support group The Ref Support UK said it feared “even worse is just around the corner” and that comments from players and coaches are fuelling the abuse officials face.
