Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left “absolutely furious” by Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card during Saturday’s poor 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The teenage defender halted the home side’s quick counter-attack by tripping up Matt Doherty on the stroke of half-time. Much to the surprise of the player and his teammates, referee Michael Oliver showed Lewis-Skelly a straight red card instead of the yellow card he expected.
VAR Darren England he didn’t tip over decision on the field as he agreed that the contact between Lewis-Skelly’s studs and Doherty’s ankle constituted a “serious foul”.
The north London side kept Wolves at bay until Joao Gomes received a second yellow card in the 70th minute. Shortly after numerical parity was restored, Riccardo Calafiori scored the only goal of the game to secure it three hard-fought points for visitors.
A closer look at Myles Lewis-Skelly’s straight red card against Wolves 🟥 pic.twitter.com/tDRLpLRESQ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 26, 2025
“It’s so clear that I leave it to you,” Arteta said Sky Sports after matchdoing his best to contain himself before adding, “I’m totally pissed, but I’ll leave it to you. Because it’s so obvious. I don’t think my words will help.”
The head of Topnik revealed that he did not receive an explanation of the decision from any official.
At 18 years and 121 days, the outstanding left-back became the youngest Arsenal player to be sent off in Premier League history. Only two people at any club have ever received a red card in the under-ages since the competition’s inception in 1992, per Opta.
Lewis-Skelly finds herself in famous company. Future Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen was also 18 when he was given his marching orders against Manchester United in 1998, while Wayne Rooney was sacked just two months after turning 17 during his fantastic start to life at Everton.
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