Mikel Arteta has spoken about the FA’s decision (Image: Getty)
manager has expressed his relief at the decision to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card from their match against , but has strongly criticised the abuse aimed at referee Michael Oliver.
The Gunners were incensed when Oliver sent off the 18-year-old left-back for “serious foul play” after a challenge on Matt Doherty during Saturday’s game at Molineux.
Despite not being the last man and the incident occurring in Wolves’ defensive third, Lewis-Skelly was shown a red card rather than a yellow, a decision that VAR upheld. Arteta had previously voiced his anger over the decision, suggesting it was so clear-cut that an appeal might not even be necessary.
Just before Arteta was due to speak, the and Lewis-Skelly’s three-match ban was rescinded. Ahead of their Champions League clash with Girona, Arteta said: “Yeah, obviously really happy that the decision has been made and Myles is going to be available for us.”
However, following the match, which won 1-0, referee Oliver was , prompting condemnation from the and PGMOL, as well as a police investigation.
The official, who has reportedly received threats towards him and his family, is now under police protection and will not officiate ‘s upcoming match against .
Myles Lewis-Skelly was given his marching orders against Wolves (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
When questioned about the threats directed at Oliver, he responded: “The same, every time I talk about that topic, a player a coach, it doesn’t matter. We have to try hard to eradicate it from the game. To everybody in football. It certainly damages our sport. So lets get it out.”
The decision to send off Lewis-Skelly has been widely criticised by pundits, including by former star Pat Nevin who expressed his shock, stating: “Myles Lewis-Skelly is only 10 yards outside the opposition’s box. It must be for violent conduct, but that doesn’t look like violent conduct. It’s a cynical trip. I have never seen that in my life. I am stunned by a red card.”
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