Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left "fuming" after 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly received a controversial red card during the Gunners' 1-0 victory over Wolves in the Premier League.
The incident occurred in the 43rd minute when Lewis-Skelly caught Wolves' Matt Doherty above the ankle to halt a counter-attack near Wolves' box. Referee Michael Oliver immediately showed a straight red card, a decision that was subsequently upheld by VAR.
"I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you," Arteta told Sky Sports after the match, adding that the decision was "so obvious that today you don't need my words."
Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer criticized the decision on BBC Radio 5 Live, calling it "one of the worst decisions I've seen in a long time." He particularly questioned VAR official Darren England's decision not to recommend an on-field review.
The dismissal makes Lewis-Skelly the third-youngest player to receive a red card in Premier League history, behind only Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen. Unless overturned, he faces a three-match ban, missing crucial fixtures against Manchester City and Leicester City in the Premier League, as well as Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
The decision sparked debate among pundits, with former Premier League referee Mike Dean supporting the call, noting the player's studs made contact with Doherty's Achilles. However, former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin expressed shock, describing it as merely a "cynical trip" rather than violent conduct.
Despite playing with ten men, Arsenal secured victory through Riccardo Calafiori's 74th-minute winner, keeping them within six points of league leaders Liverpool. Wolves also finished the match with ten men after Joao Gomes received a second yellow card.
This marks Arsenal's fourth Premier League red card this season, more than any other team. It adds to a list of controversial decisions that have frustrated Arteta, including Leandro Trossard's sending off against Manchester City and disputed calls involving Declan Rice and William Saliba. Notably, referee Oliver had previously drawn Arsenal's ire in 2022 when he showed Gabriel Martinelli two yellow cards in quick succession, a decision Arteta claimed he had never seen before.
The club now faces a decision on whether to appeal the red card, though Arteta suggested the decision was "so obvious, maybe we don't even need to."
