Controversial Red Card Mars Arsenal's Narrow Victory Over Wolves

2025-01-25

Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wolves at Molineux, but the match was overshadowed by a controversial red card shown to 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly. Referee Michael Oliver dismissed the Arsenal defender in the 43rd minute for a challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty, which was deemed “serious foul play” by VAR. The decision left Arsenal players and fans incensed, with many questioning the severity of the call.

Lewis-Skelly’s challenge, which appeared to be a cynical trip to stop a counter-attack, occurred just outside Wolves’ penalty area. While the foul was clear, the straight red card was unexpected, as such incidents are typically punished with a yellow. The Premier League Match Centre later clarified that VAR upheld Oliver’s decision, citing “high and full and forceful contact on ankle or above” as justification for the dismissal.

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean initially disagreed with the decision but later acknowledged that Oliver’s view of the incident, which showed Lewis-Skelly’s studs scraping down Doherty’s leg, could justify the red card. However, pundits and fans alike criticised the call, with former Arsenal forward Perry Groves describing it as “one of the most ridiculous red cards” he had ever seen.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Arsenal managed to secure the win thanks to a superb strike from substitute Riccardo Calafiori in the 74th minute. Wolves were also reduced to 10 men when João Gomes received a second yellow card for a foul on Jurrien Timber. The victory kept Arsenal in second place, eight points behind league leaders Liverpool.

The incident has reignited debates over refereeing standards, with Arsenal fans particularly frustrated by Oliver’s history of controversial decisions involving their team. Earlier this season, Oliver sent off Leandro Trossard in a match against Manchester City, and in 2022, he dismissed Gabriel Martinelli in a similar fashion against Wolves.

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