Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly has won his appeal against a three-match ban following a controversial red card in Saturday's match against Wolves, the Football Association confirmed Tuesday.
The 18-year-old defender was dismissed in the 43rd minute after a challenge on Matt Doherty just outside the Wolves penalty area. Referee Michael Oliver deemed it serious foul play, a decision initially supported by VAR official Darren England.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed satisfaction with the successful appeal, stating, "We're very happy that decision has been made." He added that the club had quickly assembled and presented evidence to defend their position, noting the ruling would provide "more options" with Lewis-Skelly now available for selection.
The incident sparked significant debate among football experts. Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer called it "one of the worst decisions I've seen in a long time" during his BBC Radio 5 Live appearance. Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, Shearer elaborated: "It should have been a yellow card, it is a terrible decision. There was no speed, no intensity, it was not endangering an opponent and was 90 yards from goal, so never, ever a red card."
Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin was equally critical, saying, "I have never seen that in my life. I am stunned by a red card." BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman described the decision as "baffling and nonsensical."
However, former Premier League referee Mike Dean offered a contrasting view on Sky Sports, defending the original decision: "When you see a still image, you understand what he has done. He has put his studs down his leg for serious foul play. Scraped down the Achilles."
The match, which Arsenal won 1-0 through Riccardo Calafiori's 74th-minute strike, saw Wolves also reduced to ten men after Joao Gomes received a second yellow card in the 70th minute.
In the aftermath of the match, Arteta had expressed his frustration, telling BBC Match of the Day the decision was "so obvious that today you don't need my words" and telling Sky Sports he was "absolutely fuming."
The controversy has had serious repercussions beyond the pitch, with the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) reporting that police are investigating "threats and abuse" directed at referee Oliver following the match.
The successful appeal means Lewis-Skelly will be available for Arsenal's upcoming fixtures, including their final Champions League group game against Girona, providing a boost to Arteta's squad options.
