FA final decision made following controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red card against Wolves.

FA final decision made following controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red card against Wolves.

The Premier League weekend was largely dominated by controversy surrounding Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s match against Wolves on Saturday, with referee Michael Oliver facing heavy criticism for his decision.

The young Arsenal full-back was sent off for a cynical foul on Matt Doherty, leaving many pundits and manager Mikel Arteta shocked by the call.

As it stands, Lewis-Skelly will miss the next three matches, including the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United next week, though an appeal could potentially overturn the ban.

The incident has sparked significant debate over whether the challenge truly warranted a red card and the aftermath of the decision.

Would the reaction be as intense if it involved another club? It often feels like Arsenal gets the most attention, though the abuse directed at Oliver certainly crossed a line. Here’s the verdict on the weekend’s key talking point.

Lee Ryder

By the rulebook, it’s a red card, and Michael Oliver was simply following the directives. VAR had the chance to intervene, but they didn’t.

Lewis-Skelly’s foul was a nasty one, and had it happened further up the field, there wouldn’t be any controversy. He was beaten by his man and made a reckless challenge right in front of the referee.

He could have made a tactical foul for a yellow card, but his actions were studs-up and dangerous. Oliver made the right call despite knowing he’d face backlash. Sorry Arsenal, it was the correct decision. Review the rules again.

Ciaran Kelly

It’s rare that I agree with Mikel Arteta, but I can understand why he was “absolutely fuming” about the red card. Lewis-Skelly’s challenge on Doherty was cynical, catching him above the ankle. For me, it was an “amber” offense—somewhere between a yellow and a red.

It was also telling that a few Wolves players were just as surprised by the red as the Arsenal players. VAR could have stepped in and at least asked Oliver to review the incident on the screen, which could have prevented a lot of controversy.

Aaron Stokes
Honestly, I’m not sure if it was a red card or not, despite watching multiple replays. In real-time, it looked like a shocking decision, and I admit I voiced that opinion on Saturday.

But after seeing different angles, I’m starting to lean towards it being a fair call. Lewis-Skelly’s foot did connect dangerously with the ankle, and Oliver was in a good position to make the decision.

One thing I’m sure about, though, is that Arsenal fans’ reactions were way over the top. There’s no conspiracy against your club. The abuse directed at Oliver and his family was absolutely ridiculous.


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Ross Gregory

Arsenal really seem to have no luck. After three red cards in the first eight league games this season, it’s happened again. Since Arteta took charge in 2019, Arsenal have had more red cards than any other top-flight team.

Maybe the foul wasn’t a red card—maybe it was more of an amber or yellow. Perhaps we need new sanctions for situations like this. But when you take risks, sometimes it backfires.

As for the abuse towards Michael Oliver, there’s no agenda against Arsenal. He’s the best referee in the Premier League by far. It’s just a coincidence that he’s based in the North East.


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Andrew Musgrove

By the letter of the law, it’s a red card, as the foul was above the ankle. But practically, it wasn’t a sending-off—it was reckless, not malicious, and deserved a yellow.

I feel for Michael Oliver, as Darren England on VAR should have intervened. I understand VAR not wanting to overrule on-field decisions too heavily, but in this case, they should have stepped in.


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Stuart Jamieson

It was a surprise to see the red card, but I can understand why the referee made the call. The studs were high, and the foul looked deliberate with no attempt to play the ball.

A yellow card could have been sufficient, but I get why Oliver made his decision. It’s a red card, so let’s move on.


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Jack Flintham

This was one of those gray areas that’s become more controversial thanks to VAR. Yes, he caught Doherty with his studs, but was there enough intent to warrant a red card? I’m not sure.

The intent seemed to be stopping the breakaway, but the tackle was mistimed. Without VAR, I don’t think there would have been such an uproar.

However, because Darren England had the chance to review the decision and chose not to, it became a big issue.

It wasn’t a massive error by Oliver, and perhaps Arteta and his players should reconsider how their reactions led to the abuse directed at Oliver and his family.


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Amie Wilson

The challenge feels like an “orange card” situation—cynical and reckless, but not quite deserving of a red. I don’t think the reaction would have been as intense if it had involved a team outside the “big six” this weekend.

I do think Michael Oliver should have been asked to review the decision on the screen, even if only to reaffirm his choice. Arsenal’s appeal seems unlikely to succeed due to the height of the contact, which may be good news for Newcastle.

As for the abuse directed at Oliver, it’s completely unacceptable. No matter how passionate our views are, it crosses a line.


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Kieran Horn

I understand the anger from Arsenal fans, but calling this one of the worst refereeing decisions ever is a bit much.

There’s a comparison to be made with John McGinn’s red card against Tottenham, where the foul endangered the opponent. Lewis-Skelly’s challenge was risky, and while it didn’t look as bad in slow-motion, he caught Doherty’s ankle with his studs.

It wasn’t a clear red card, but it wasn’t a clear and obvious error either. Given that, VAR wasn’t likely to overturn the decision.