An “absolutely fuming” Mikel Arteta is confident Arsenal will not have to appeal Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card at Wolves this afternoon as he believes it will be overturned.
The teenage full-back was sent off late in the first half at Molineux for what appeared to be a fairly innocuous foul on Matt Doherty on the edge of the Wolves box.
Referee Michael Oliver was quick to show a straight red with Var Darren England feeling there was no need to send the official to the pitch-side screen for a second look.
Wolves had Joao Gomes dismissed with 20 minutes to go and Arsenal took full advantage, substitute Riccardo Calafiori firing home the only goal four minutes later to keep Arsenal within six points of leaders Liverpool.
Arteta told Sky Sports: “It’s incredible what the boys did again. In the context we were thrown into again, it was about character, team personality, courage and intelligence to play the game we wanted to play. It was excellent.”
In dismissing Lewis-Skelly, he added: “Obviously I’m leaving it to you (the media). I’m absolutely fuming, but I’m leaving it with you. Because it’s so obvious. I don’t think my words will help.”
“I’m absolutely a smoker” 😡
Mikel Arteta on the decision to send Myles Lewis-Skelly on against Wolves 🟥 pic.twitter.com/6h0tvl2nei
– Sky Sports Premier League (@skysportspl) January 25, 2025
Asked if Arsenal would appeal, he said: “That’s for the club to decide what’s the best decision. I think it’s so obvious, maybe there’s no need.”
Shearer confused by red card
BBC Pundit Alan Shearer called the decision “one of the worst I’ve seen in a long time”.
The former England captain said: “As a referee you can get it wrong on the pitch, you can see something that is wrong.
“How on earth does Darren England, VAR, think the referee has that right and you don’t need to send him to the screen.
“One of the worst decisions I’ve seen in a long time.
“I can’t see and understand what Var is thinking with Michael Oliver’s decision.
“No wonder it’s criticized by so many people.”
