Football
29 Jan 2025
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Arsenal’s Lewis-Skelly Red Card Overturned After Successful Appeal

Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a straight red card for this foul on Matt Doherty

Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly has had his three-match ban rescinded after the club’s appeal was upheld by an independent regulatory commission.

The 18-year-old was sent off during Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Wolves, but the club successfully argued that the decision was wrongful dismissal, allowing him to return immediately to the squad.

Arteta: “We’re Very Happy With the Decision”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his relief following the FA’s decision:

“We’re very happy that decision has been made. The club put all the evidence together to defend our position, and it was pretty fast. Now we have more options because he’s going to be available, and that’s very positive for the team.”

Lewis-Skelly was sent off in the 43rd minute after catching Matt Doherty above the ankle while trying to break up a counter-attack. Referee Michael Oliver deemed it serious foul play, and VAR (Darren England) upheld the decision.

However, Arsenal immediately appealed, and the independent commission sided with the club, ruling that the red card should be overturned.

The Controversial Decision and VAR Scrutiny

The initial red card caused a significant backlash from fans, pundits, and former professionals. Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s record goalscorer, called it “one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in a long time.”

“It should have been a yellow card. There was no speed, no intensity, and it was not endangering an opponent—90 yards from goal. Never, ever a red card,” Shearer told BBC Match of the Day.

Other pundits echoed similar sentiments:

  • Pat Nevin (Former Chelsea Winger): “It’s a cynical trip, but I’ve never seen that in my life. I am stunned by a red card.”
  • Nedum Onuoha (Former Manchester City Defender): “It will get overturned very quickly. He tries to stop the counter-attack, and it doesn’t look bad to me.”
  • Mark Chapman (BBC Radio 5 Live Presenter): “Baffling and nonsensical.”

Even former Premier League referee Mike Dean had conflicting views, stating:

“When you see a still image, you understand what he has done. He has put his studs down his leg for serious foul play. Scraped down the Achilles.”

Despite VAR deciding against sending Oliver to the pitchside monitor, the FA’s appeal panel ruled the red card was incorrect, clearing Lewis-Skelly to play in Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures.

A Win for Arsenal, But Abuse Toward Officials Remains a Concern

While the ruling is a victory for Arsenal, the fallout from the decision has had negative consequences. Referee Michael Oliver has been subjected to threats and abuse, prompting a police investigation, according to the PGMOL.

“No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family,” said the referees’ governing body.

Despite the overturned ban, the incident has reignited the debate around VAR and officiating standards in the Premier League.

What’s Next for Lewis-Skelly and Arsenal?

With his ban lifted, Lewis-Skelly will now be available for Arsenal’s next three key fixtures:

  • Manchester City (Premier League) – 4 Feb
  • Newcastle United (Carabao Cup Semi-Final) – 8 Feb
  • Leicester City (Premier League) – 15 Feb

Arteta will be relieved to have the young defender available as Arsenal continue their Premier League title challenge.

What are your thoughts on Arsenal’s successful appeal? Was it the right decision? Share your views in the comments below!

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