Mikel Arteta was “absolutely fuming” over Michael Oliver’s decision to send on Myles Lewis-Skelly in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves.
With the first half winding down, Lewis-Skelly tackled Matt Doherty near the edge of the Wolves box and referee Oliver sent the 18-year-old off for serious play.
“I can’t believe Michael Oliver sent Lewis-Skelly out there,” said Sky Sports’ Tim Sherwood, as Var stuck to the on-field official’s call.
Arsenal won 1-0 thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s second-half winner – which came four minutes after Joao Gomes was dismissed for two yellow cards for an arguably even harsher challenge than Lewis-Skelly on Jurrien Timber – but Arteta still could not hide his frustration with the full-time Officials.
“It’s so clear and I’ll leave it to you guys,” Arteta said Heavenly sports. “I’m absolutely fuming. But I’ll leave it with you, I obviously don’t think my words are going to help.”
Asked if Arsenal would appeal the sending off, Arteta replied: “That’s for the club to decide what the best decision is. It’s clear that maybe we don’t even need to (decide on an appeal).
“He’s really happy now that the team won and found a way to win it. He’s very worried about what’s coming next because he’s feeling strongly that he had nothing to do with the action.”
Calafiori: Never a red card, Lewis-Skelly was upset
Meanwhile, match-winner Calafiori also felt it was not a red card for Lewis-Skelly – saying the 18-year-old was upset about the call at the half-time break.
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Despite scoring the winner in his side’s 1-0 win at Wolves, Riccardo Calafiori could not hide his disappointment at Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card
“From the bench, it was clearly not a red card. I saw him at half time he was so disappointed for the team. But in the end, we won. So nothing happened,” said Calafiori.
“He was upset, but now he’s happy because we won for sure. He’s a good footballer, a good guy, so we help him a lot.
“He’s really happy now that the team won and found a way to win it. He’s very worried about what’s coming next because he’s feeling strongly that he had nothing to do with the action.”
Arteta admitted Lewis-Skelly was feeling better after the team’s win, but hopes any appeal will result in the defender being allowed to play future games.
“He is really happy now that the team won and found a way to win it,” Arteta added. “He’s very worried about what’s coming next because he’s feeling very strongly that he had nothing to do with the action.”
Arteta added in his press conference: “We hope we don’t need to (appeal). Let the player continue to do his job.”
How social media reacted to Lewis-Skelly’s red card
Five editions with Lewis-Skelly red card
Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz:
One – you don’t see red cards for that. “He’s 70 yards from his goal,” Tim Sherwood said. This is the starting point. How can serious play be hated on the edge of the Arsenal box?
And if it’s serious game for contact in Lewis-Skelly, then he’s got seconds to make that challenge. How could the 18-year-old have intended? The most common need was necessary.
They gave him two hangings. The serious foul play call was checked and confirmed by Var Darren England. See above for the common sense point for an official who had replays, SLO-Mos and time to fully evaluate it.
Three – Joao Gomes’ challenge was worse. How the Wolves midfielder picked up a yellow for a higher, more aggressive and more dangerous challenge and Lewis-Skelly got his marching orders is simply disturbing. Consistency did not even last half the match.
Four – Michael Oliver doesn’t like to influence games too much it seems. That’s what PGMOL boss Howard Webb said last season when Mateo Kovacic avoided a red card for Man City at Arsenal. Did he have to send Lewis-Skelly there?
Five – More odd breaks for Arsenal – Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard were both sent off for kicking the ball away – but have we seen any since? Joao Pedro’s penalty at Brighton despite William Saliba receiving the ball. Arsenal are making strange decisions this season and seem to be weighing heavily on them – so it’s no wonder their fans are getting increasingly frustrated.
