Match Coverage

Premier League release statement on Myles Lewis-Skelly red card decision in Arsenal vs Wolves

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Arsenal were left stunned as Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a straight red card at Molineux against Wolves.

The first half of the contest was rather open, which was a surprise when considering the position of the two clubs in the Premier League table

Mikel Arteta was struck with yet more absences prior to the game, as Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard missed out against Wolves.

While the squad becoming more and more bare week by week is a concern, it wasn’t the main talking point from the opening half at Molineux.

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
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Premier League release statement after Myles Lewis-Skelly red card vs Wolves

Kai Havertz fumbled two chances to score early on however, the German’s lack of conviction in the final third wasn’t what had fans fuming.

Prior to the interval, 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a straight red card by Michael Oliver for reasons that very few could comprehend. 

The teenager tripped Matt Doherty just outside of the Wolves penalty box after an Arsenal corner, leading Oliver to take dramatic action.

Oliver sent Lewis-Skelly off, a decision that was checked by VAR yet failed to be overturned, with the Premier League now releasing a statement.

“The referee’s call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play.”

The statement was as confusing as the decision, as Lewis-Skelly was penalised for the nature of the tackle, rather than the fact that Doherty was racing forward to trigger a counterattack.

Michael Oliver haunts Arsenal at Molineux once again

Arsenal fans were furious that Oliver was appointed referee against Wolves for the simple reason of history.

Back in 2022, Oliver sent Gabriel Martinelli off for a bizarre passage of play that saw the Brazilian commit two fouls, that the referee punished with two yellow cards. 

It was a perplexing decision on that day and yet again, the referee made the spotlight for a highly controversial decision against the Gunners.