The academy graduate has been in fine form for Arsenal this season.
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Arsenal’s young defender, Myles Lewis-Skelly, was controversially sent off during his team’s 1-0 victory over Wolves.
Referee Michael Oliver issued a straight red card for a challenge on Matt Doherty, citing serious foul play.
The decision, however, sparked heated debate and was ultimately overturned after Arsenal’s appeal.
Howard Webb’s Assessment
PGMOL chief Howard Webb acknowledged that Oliver’s decision to send Lewis-Skelly off was incorrect but defended the referee’s judgment, stating it wasn’t a “horrendous” call.
PGMOL chief Howard Webb explains his thoughts on Myles Lewis-Skelly's sending off against Wolves before the three-match ban was then overturned. pic.twitter.com/NJe30C1ilO
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 18, 2025
He pointed out that while the challenge involved high contact, it lacked the excessive force or brutality required for a red card under serious foul play rules.
VAR Controversy
One of the most contentious aspects of the incident was the role of VAR.
The video assistant referee, Darren England, chose not to send Oliver to the monitor for a review, despite assistant VARs noting that the contact was glancing rather than forceful.
Webb suggested that VAR should have intervened, but he also understood why they opted not to, given the subjective nature of the call.
The Aftermath
Following the appeal, the red card was rescinded, and Lewis-Skelly’s three-match ban was overturned.
However, Arsenal was fined £65,000 for their players’ reactions to the decision on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Oliver faced online abuse after the game, prompting PGMOL to condemn the threats and involve law enforcement.
Arsenal have been fined £65,000 for failing to ensure their players did not behave in an improper way during their Premier League match at Wolves.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 17, 2025
The fine has been imposed by an Independent Regulatory Commission and relates to the 43rd minute when Myles Lewis-Skelly was… pic.twitter.com/wGtzBFYrrC
Webb emphasized that while referees accept criticism as part of the job, personal attacks and threats are unacceptable.
Key Takeaways
- The challenge did not meet the threshold for serious foul play, leading to the red card’s reversal.
- VAR should have intervened but chose to uphold the on-field decision.
- The controversy highlights ongoing debates about VAR’s role in decision-making.
- Abuse directed at referees remains a concerning issue in football.
While Arsenal ultimately benefited from the appeal, the incident underscores the fine margins in officiating and the challenges of maintaining consistency in VAR decisions.