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COACH Mikel Arteta has called for an end to ‘hatred’ in football in light of the Michael Oliver fallout as England’s Arsenal Football Club won their appeal against Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card — just hours after it was submitted.
The 18-year-old was shown a straight red card by referee Oliver in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves on Saturday for fouling Matt Doherty in his own half.
The decision received much backlash and the north London club submitted their appeal to the FA yesterday lunchtime, with their decision coming close to 7pm last night.
An FA statement said ‘an independent regulatory commission has upheld the claim of wrongful dismissal and removed his (Lewis-Skelly’s) three-match suspension’.
Oliver was given police protection in the fallout from his judgment after receiving threats on social media. Though he will immediately return to refereeing, starting with the Champions League clash between Barcelona and Atalanta tonight. He will then oversee Ipswich vs Southampton in the Premier League this Saturday, and Everton vs Liverpool next Wednesday.
Ahead of Arsenal’s final Champions League match of the league phase against Girona today, Arteta said: ‘We’re always putting a lot of emphasis on where football is going in the next five, ten years; on the rules, and all that sort of thing.
‘But I think one of the most important things we can do is create an environment that’s much better at a social level.
‘We shouldn’t be here with this hatred, these things we see, because they affect everyone and in the end, they take away the joy of this sport, the reason for it which is enjoy ourselves, have good moments.
‘You should not be permitted (to abuse others). We don’t want it, we don’t need it and it certainly damages our sport. Let’s get it out, let’s kick it out.’
When asked about Lewis-Skelly’s reaction to the news, Arteta added: ‘He was sleeping on the plane when I looked back and I got the news, so I haven’t spoken to him. But I imagine a big smile on his face.’
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.
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.
The Gunners have all all-but secured a spot in the Champions League’s top eight, which will see them go straight into the last 16 and avoid the playoff phase.
Off the pitch, their opponents Girona, who are already knocked out of the Champions League, are in competition with the Gunners for talented Norwegian star Sverre Nypan.
The Rosenborg midfielder is being courted by both clubs and is expected to make a decision imminently. (www.dailymail.co.uk)
Online Reporter