Arsenal have won their appeal against the red card issued to Myles Lewis-Skelly during their 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
The Athletic reported earlier on Tuesday that Arsenal would appeal the decision and the FA announced later in the day that an independent regulatory commission had upheld the challenge. That means Lewis-Skelly has avoided a three-match ban he would have otherwise received for ‘serious foul play’.
The 18-year-old was shown a straight red card for ‘serious foul play’ by referee Michael Oliver in the 43rd minute of the game after a challenge on Wolves defender Matt Doherty. The decision was checked and cleared by video assistant referee Darren England.
The appeal was heard by a three-person independent panel which includes former players.
The suspension would have seen him miss Premier League games against Manchester City (February 2) and Leicester City (February 15), as well as the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United (February 5).
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On the Lewis-Skelly decision, the Premier League’s match centre — which provides live updates and explanations of refereeing decisions on social media — said: “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.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports immediately after the game that he was “absolutely fuming” with the decision.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday after the appeal had been upheld, Arteta said: “Obviously, very happy that decision has been made and that Myles is going to be able to play for us again.
“It does affect that (team selection) because we had a lot of uncertainty. Not only for Sunday but also the next two games as well. Now we have more options, he’s going to be available and it’s something positive for the team.”
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The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for refereeing games in England, released a statement on Sunday condemning the social media threats and abuse received by Oliver following the decision.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
The dismissal was Arsenal’s fourth of the campaign, making them the most red-carded side in the Premier League this season.
Declan Rice was sent off for delaying the restart against Brighton & Hove Albion in August, Leandro Trossard was dismissed for the same offence against Manchester City in September and William Saliba was shown a straight red card after committing a foul as the last man against Bournemouth in October.
(Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
