A young Arsenal defender found himself at the center of a controversial red card decision that sparked a wave of online abuse towards the referee. Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off by Michael Oliver during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory at Wolves, a decision that was backed by VAR at the time. However, after an appeal by the Gunners, an independent panel unanimously agreed that Lewis-Skelly’s red card should be overturned, citing ‘foul play’ rather than ‘serious foul play’ as the reason for the initial dismissal.
Panel Rescinds Red Card
In a surprising turn of events, the three-person panel that reviewed the case following Arsenal’s appeal concluded that Lewis-Skelly’s actions did not warrant a three-game suspension. The panel noted that while the player may have tripped his opponent intentionally, there was no endangerment to the opponent’s safety, excessive force, or brutality involved in the incident. Arsenal presented compelling evidence to support their appeal, including video footage from various angles that shed light on the nature of the challenge.
The club’s meticulous presentation also included a comparison with a similar challenge by Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes in the same match, which resulted in a second booking but not a red card. Arsenal further bolstered their case by highlighting previous instances where red cards issued to other players, including Bruno Fernandes and Alexis MacAllister, were successfully overturned on appeal, emphasizing the need for fair judgment in such situations.
Online Abuse and Calls for Change
The aftermath of Lewis-Skelly’s red card saw referee Michael Oliver subjected to severe online abuse, prompting the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to issue a rare public statement condemning the attacks. The abuse directed towards Oliver and his family led to police investigations and a strong stance against such behavior within the football community.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta joined the chorus of voices denouncing the online abuse, emphasizing the need to eradicate this toxic aspect of the game that only serves to tarnish the sport’s integrity. Arteta called for a united effort to eliminate such behavior and protect the well-being of everyone involved in football, stressing that these actions have no place in the sport.
Despite the successful appeal in Lewis-Skelly’s case, Arsenal continues to stand in solidarity with Oliver and the PGMOL, offering support in the face of ongoing investigations into the online abuse directed at the match official. The UK Football Policing Unit is collaborating with social media platforms to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the reprehensible messages aimed at Oliver and his family.
As the dust settles on this contentious episode, the football community is left grappling with the repercussions of online abuse towards officials and players alike. The Lewis-Skelly saga serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those in the limelight of professional football and the collective responsibility to uphold respect and decency within the sport. Let’s strive to create a footballing environment that values integrity, fairness, and mutual respect, free from the shadows of online vitriol.
