Arsenal midfielder, Myles Lewis-Skelly will not serve a three-match suspension after the club’s appeal against his red card at Wolves was upheld by an FA disciplinary commission.
Lewis-Skelly, 18, was sent off in the 43rd minute of Arsenal’s 1-0 victory at Molineux on Saturday after referee Michael Oliver deemed his challenge on Matt Doherty to be serious foul play.
Myles Lewis-Skelly reacts after being shown a red card by Referee Michael Oliver. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The decision was backed by VAR official Darren England, sparking controversy.
However, after reviewing the incident, the FA decided to overturn the red card, allowing Lewis-Skelly to be available for Arsenal’s upcoming matches.
Arsenal confirmed the decision through a statement :
“…An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension…”
A Pattern of Overturned Red Cards in the Premier League
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s case marks the third instance this season in which a player has successfully appealed a VAR-supported red card in the EPL:
Bruno Fernandes (vs. Tottenham – September 2024)
Christian Nørgaard (vs. Everton – November 2024).
In both cases, an independent panel of three former players reviewed the referee’s decision, reaching a 2-1 verdict in favor of overturning the red card.
The written reasons for Lewis-Skelly’s appeal are expected to be published early next week.
Regardless, not all appeals have been successful:
Fabian Schär (Newcastle Utd)
Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace)
Jhon Durán (Aston Villa)
The above stated players all had their appeals rejected this season.
Threats and Abuse Investigated After Controversial Decision
The fallout from Lewis-Skelly’s red card has escalated beyond the pitch.
Police have launched an investigation into “threats and abuse” directed at referee Oliver and his family following the controversial decision.
A similar case in the Premier League happened back in 2021 with former referee Mike Dean.
Dean temporarily stepped away from officiating after receiving death threats for sending off Tomáš Souček (West Ham) against Fulham.
