Chronicle Editor
The Premier League have offered an explanation for the controversial red card handed to Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolves yesterday.
Lewis-Skelly (18) has been one of the breakout stars of the season, with the defender impressing for Arsenal at left back.
However, disaster struck for the teen during the first half of the Gunners’ trip to Molineux yesterday when he was dismissed by referee Michael Oliver for a challenge on Matt Doherty despite the incident taking place inside the Wolves half.
Several fans and pundits were left shocked by the decision, with Tim Sherwood one of many to hit out.
Speaking on Soccer Saturday, the former Tottenham player and manager said: ‘I am still reeling from it, I can’t believe Michael Oliver has sent him off!!’
Many fans were also livid at the decision, with one describing it as “outrageous”.
They wrote: “I’ve never seen a red card like the one Lewis-Skelly just got. That is outrageous”.
Meanwhile, another user added: “When Tim Sherwood says it’s a yellow at most you know it’s a bad decision.”
And, shortly after the controversial call, the Premier League issued a statement on why Lewis-Skelly was sent off.
Posting on X, the Premier League Match Centre 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.”
The incident occurred in the 43rd minute of the clash and appeared to be a cynical trip from Lewis-Skelly to halt a counter attack, something that would usually be punished by a yellow card.
Meanwhile, new Match of the Day host Mark Chapman, was similarly left shocked by the decision.
“Baffling and nonsensical from supposedly one of our best referees,” he said on the BBC.
However, Mike Dean, who works as a refereeing expert for Soccer Saturday, backed his former colleague’s call.
“I’ve got a still image,” he said. “If you see it, you can see why the referee has decided what he’s done.
He’s put his studs down the inside of his leg.”
Arsenal made an alteration ahead of the second-half, with left back Riccardo Calafiori coming on for Ethan Nwaneri as Mikel Arteta reshuffled his pack.
Calafiori then put the Gunners ahead in the 74th minute of the clash, which came minutes after Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes was dismissed, with the Italian’s strike proving to be the winner at Molineux. — BBC Sport.
Online Reporter