Arsenal have successfully overturned the red card shown to Myles Lewis-Skelly during their 1-0 victory at Wolves, sparing the 18-year-old a three-match suspension.
The left-back was controversially sent off in the first half at Molineux for tripping Matt Doherty during a Wolves counterattack. Referee Michael Oliver’s decision was not reviewed by VAR, frustrating Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
“I’m really happy the decision has been overturned, and Myles is available for us,” Arteta said ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Girona.
Alan Shearer described the decision as “one of the worst I’ve seen in a long time.”
The FA confirmed the successful appeal, stating:
“An independent regulatory commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal about Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.”
Lewis-Skelly, a standout in his debut season is now free to play against Manchester City, Leicester, and Newcastle in key fixtures.
Despite being down to 10 men for half an hour before Wolves’ Joao Gomes was also dismissed, Arsenal secured victory through Riccardo Calafiori’s late goal.
Michael Oliver, the match referee, faced online abuse after the game, prompting a police investigation. Arteta condemned the abuse, urging efforts to “eradicate it from the game.”
Arsenal, aiming for direct Champions League qualification, face Girona on Wednesday.
Arteta emphasised the importance of sealing qualification, saying: “We’ve been close to big titles, but it’s tough in football. Tomorrow, we must earn it.”
