Defender Myles Lewis-Skelly will avoid a three-match ban after Arsenal successfully appealed against his red card in Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Wolves.
The 18-year-old was shown a straight red card by referee Michael Oliver in a controversial manner after he launched a tackle on Matt Doherty to stop an attack.
The Gunners lodged an appeal in a bid to overturn the decision, with many football fans and pundits admitting that a red card was a bit too harsh on the teenager.
The Football Association (FA), in a statement, said: “An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.
“The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, January 25, 2025.”
Regulation and Discipline update on @Arsenal: pic.twitter.com/xHzKsrGDKt
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) January 28, 2025
According to Oliver, Lewis-Skelly’s tackle on Doherty was reckless and way too late (serious foul play), with his studs above the ankle, a decision that was supported by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body in charge of English refereeing.
Despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half, Mikel Arteta’s men went on to win the march thanks to a Riccardo Calafiori second-half effort.
Mikel Arteta responds
Arteta responded to the news from the FA at his press conference ahead of the Gunners’ Champions League game against Girona today (Wednesday, January 29), saying: “Obviously, I’m very happy that a decision has been made and Myles is going to be able to play again.”
