Myles Lewis-Skelly red card: PGMOL ‘disgusted’ after referee Michael Oliver receives abuse on social media for red carding Arsenal defender | Football news
PGMOL says it is “appalled” by the level of vitriol directed at referee Michael Oliver on social media following Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card during Arsenal’s win against Wolves.
Arsenal are expected to appeal the dismissal amid widespread criticism of Oliver’s decision, despite the body responsible for refereeing matches at the English Professional Football Association defending the decision on Sunday.
Lewis-Skelly was sent off for fouling Matt Doherty near the edge of the Wolves penalty area.
The decision was “reviewed and upheld” by Darren England, with VAR concluding that Lewis-Skelly had committed a “serious error”.
Following the online abuse of Oliver, a PGMOL statement read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal game.
“No official should be subjected to any form of abuse, let alone the vile attacks directed at Michael and his family in the last 24 hours.
“The police are aware and a number of inquiries have been launched. We support Michael and all those affected and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.
“Unfortunately, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times. We will continue to support any investigations.”
Reaction to the red card..
“I can’t believe Michael Oliver sent Lewis-Skelly there,” he said Sky Sports’ Tim Sherwood on Football Saturday.
“It’s that clear and I’ll leave it to you,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said Sky Sports after the game. “I’m absolutely furious. But I’ll leave it with you, it’s so obvious I don’t think my words will help.”
PGMOL’s view of the incident is that the challenge was too late, the point of contact was high and video evidence supports that conclusion.
In the second half of Arsenal’s win, Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes only received a yellow card for a high and late tackle on Jurrien Timber.
Although Gomes has been sent off, the fact that he was sent off for two bookings means he will only miss one game.
Lewis-Skelly, in contrast, is currently set to miss Arsenal’s home game against Manchester City, live Sky Sports on Sunday, as well as televising the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final with Newcastle and the Premier League away game at Leicester on February 15.
