Arsenal has successfully appealed against the red card issued to Myles Lewis-Skelly during their recent match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The decision was announced on January 28, 2025, and means that the 18-year-old defender will avoid a three-match suspension, allowing him to participate in crucial upcoming fixtures.
Incident Overview
Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a straight red card by referee Michael Oliver in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Wolves on January 25, 2025.
The dismissal occurred after Lewis-Skelly brought down Wolves’ Matt Doherty near the edge of the penalty area.
This decision sparked controversy, with many fans and pundits questioning the severity of the foul and the appropriateness of a red card for what appeared to be a tactical challenge.
Following the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration with the decision, stating he was “absolutely fuming” and emphasizing that he believed Lewis-Skelly’s challenge did not warrant such punishment. Arteta hinted at the possibility of an appeal, which was confirmed shortly after.
Appeal Process and Outcome
The appeal was reviewed by an independent regulatory commission under the jurisdiction of the Football Association (FA).
The commission upheld Arsenal’s claim of wrongful dismissal, concluding that Lewis-Skelly should not have been sent off for serious foul play. Consequently, his three-match ban has been rescinded.
An FA spokesperson stated: “An independent regulatory commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.”
This ruling is a major boost for Arsenal as they prepare for upcoming matches against top opponents.
Upcoming Matches
With the red card overturned, Lewis-Skelly is now available for selection in several important fixtures:
- Manchester City (Home) – February 2, 2025
- Newcastle United (Carabao Cup Semi-final, Second Leg) – February 5, 2025
- Leicester City (Away) – February 15, 2025
His availability will be crucial as Arsenal looks to maintain their competitive edge in both the Premier League and domestic cup competitions.
Reactions from Players and Fans
The decision to overturn the red card has been met with relief among Arsenal players and supporters.
Match-winner Riccardo Calafiori, who scored the only goal against Wolves, echoed sentiments that Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal was unjustified. He noted that Lewis-Skelly was visibly upset during halftime but felt better after the team secured a win.
The controversy surrounding this incident highlights ongoing discussions about refereeing standards in English football.
While some former referees have supported Oliver’s decision based on safety concerns regarding tackles, many believe that such incidents should be evaluated more leniently when intent is not malicious.
