FA Overturns Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Red Card

Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA

The Football Association’s decision to rescind Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card against Wolves has handed Arsenal a lifeline in their pursuit of silverware. As reported by The Athletic, the 18-year-old left-back’s three-match suspension was overturned by an independent panel, freeing him for critical fixtures like Sunday’s clash with Manchester City and a Champions League trip to Girona. But while the verdict offers short-term relief, it’s done little to quell debates over officiating consistency or the toxic fallout that’s followed.

Controversy on and off the pitch
Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal during Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Molineux sparked immediate outrage. Referee Michael Oliver deemed his tackle on Matt Doherty a challenge to halt a Wolves counter-attack as “serious foul play,” a call backed by VAR Darren England. Yet ex-players and pundits labelled the decision baffling, with Sky Sports’ Tim Sherwood calling it “the worst decision of the season”. Arsenal’s appeal, lodged swiftly, argued the tackle was cynical but not dangerous a view the FA’s regulatory commission ultimately shared.

For Mikel Arteta’s side, the reprieve is crucial. Lewis-Skelly, a rising academy star, has become integral to their defensive setup, and his absence would’ve left Arsenal exposed against City’s relentless attack. But the saga’s darker subplot referee Oliver and his family receiving death threats online casts a shadow.

The PGMOL condemned the abuse, revealing police were deployed to Oliver’s home as a precaution. It’s a grim reminder of how quickly frustration morphs into toxicity, even when processes (eventually) work.

VAR under the microscope again
The incident has reignited debates about VAR’s role. While the FA’s appeal system corrected the error, questions remain: why did VAR official Darren England not urge Oliver to review the footage? PGMOL insiders defended the call, insisting the challenge was “high and late”, but former referee Dermot Gallagher argued freeze-frame replays distorted the tackle’s context. “A still picture doesn’t show speed or intent,” he told Sky Sports.

Arsenal fans, still seething over recent decisions like João Pedro’s contentious penalty at Brighton, will feel vindicated. Yet consistency remains elusive. Wolves’ João Gomes escaped with a yellow for a worse challenge on Jurriën Timber a disparity that leaves Arteta’s “we need to be perfect” mantra feeling increasingly Sisyphean.

What next for Arsenal?
With Lewis-Skelly available, Arsenal can field their strongest XI against City a match that could define their title hopes. But the bigger challenge lies in navigating a culture where every decision sparks fury. For the FA’s sake, clearer guidelines on “serious foul play” are overdue. For Arsenal’s, maintaining focus amid the noise is non-negotiable.

As Arteta said post-match: “I’ll leave it to you it’s that obvious.” The FA agreed. But with referees under fire and fans on edge, can the Premier League’s crisis of credibility slide any further?