Myles Lewis Skelly was sent off during Arsenal’s game against Wolves at Molineux on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners were reduced to ten men by Michael Oliver shortly before half-time after Lewis-Skelly lunged in on Matt Doherty on the edge of the Wolves box.
The Premier League have released a statement revealing that the left-back was adjudged to have committed an act of violent conduct, with his studs making contact with Doherty’s shin.
Altering the momentum in the game, the decision has certainly sparked outrage online from Arsenal fans.
How Arsenal fans reacted to Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs Wolves
Arsenal players have now been given their marching orders four times in the Premier League this season, prompting the Gunners faithful to feel they are harshly officiated.
Fans were furious after Declan Rice was dismissed against Brighton earlier in the season, while Leandro Trossard and William Saliba have also been shown red cards in similarly controversial fashion.
Saturday afternoon’s incident in the West Midlands has perhaps elicited the most frustrated reaction from Arsenal supporters.
One fan posted on X: “How can we possibly justify this sham of a decision? We’ll claim it was for serious foul play! I often mock the phrase ‘the game’s gone’, unfortunately, it really has.”
Another questioned how the decision can be deemed serious foul play, writing: “It’s low. It doesn’t do anything remotely serious foul play. It’s a professional foul to stop a break. This is just laughable. Can’t believe it.
Another added: “I’ve watched this now 15-20 times. There is just no way that’s a red. Seen so much worse not given.”
One fan pointed to the fact that Lewis-Skelly wasn’t the last man, arguing that that doesn’t warrant a red card.
They posted: “Myles Lewis Skelly just got sent off for this… he wasn’t even last man? How is that a red card, what?”
Meanwhile, another supporter claimed that they were left ‘speechless’ by the decision, writing: “Please tell me in what world, a trip – 85 YARDS FROM GOAL – is considered a red card. That’s the most textbook yellow card you will see.
“Where is the precedent for a decision like that? There isn’t any because Arsenal are always the precedent. I am speechless.”
Arsenal fans are correct to feel aggrieved
The decision without doubt changed the course of the match, and Arsenal fans are right to feel frustrated.
Lewis-Skelly’s tackle was certainly not reckless, didn’t endanger Doherty and was merely a late tactical foul to prevent a counter-attack.
Arsenal supporters were fuming when Michael Oliver was appointed as referee for the game, after the official sent Gabriel Martinelli off in controversial circumstances at Molineux back in 2022.
Oliver’s reputation amongst the Arsenal fans will not have been enhanced with this decision.
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