Referee Michael Oliver has been slammed by Arsenal fans for a controversial red card to Myles Lewis-Skelly after he tripped Wolves' Matt Doherty.
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Lewis-Skelly was given a straight red cardVAR deemed it to be a high tackle above the ankleArsenal fans bashed Oliver for the harsh callFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The incident occurred when Lewis-Skelly attempted a last-ditch challenge on Doherty to stop a counter attack. Although the foul took place near the Wolves' penalty area, referee Oliver ruled the tackle as serious foul play and immediately brandished the red card. The decision was upheld by VAR, which conducted a review and confirmed Oliver’s on-field call. Arsenal’s number 49 was subsequently sent off, leaving the Gunners with a numerical disadvantage for the remainder of the game.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
The reaction from Arsenal’s fanbase has been fierce, with many accusing Oliver of unfair officiating.
@now_arsenaI wrote: "Another red card only Arsenal get. Michael Oliver honestly f*ck off you stupid pr*ck."
@EmiSmithShowe added: "Michael Oliver is so unserious, why tf is that a red card??"
While @terryflewers argued: "That is never a red card ever. He tripped him…….wow."
Whereas, @FtProgression wrote: "THERE IS NO WAY HE HAS GIVEN THAT A RED CARD."
A surprised @charles_watts wrote: "Oh [m]y word. Lewis-Skelly has just been sent off for bringing a Wolves player down about 90 yards from goal. That is remarkable."
Meanwhile, @Aye_Nizzy wrote: "No way is that a red for Lewis skelly! Michael Oliver and Darren England are an embarrassment. Matt Doherty himself knows it’s harsh."
A puzzled @_Mataghu asked: "That Lewis-Skelly red card is a genuine disgrace. What’s he actually been sent off for?"
"No point having VAR in a Michael Oliver game. He's too arrogant to ever turn it round and the VAR are all scared of him," wrote @markgoldbridge, while @PatrickTimmons1 said: "That is one of the worst decisions you will ever see. Michael Oliver making everything about himself yet again."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Premier League Match Centre explained the red card, announcing on social media: "The referee’s call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play."
Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal has added to Arsenal’s troubling disciplinary record this season. The Gunners now lead the Premier League in red cards, with four dismissals so far. West Ham and Southampton are just behind, with three each.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Arsenal will return to action on Wednesday against Girona in the Champions League and will subsequently take on Manchester City at Etihad. Although Lewis-Skelly will be available for the European fixture, the defender will miss the game against Pep Guardiola's side.