Myles Lewis-Skelly has successfully avoided a three-match ban after Arsenal won their appeal regarding his red card, awarded during Saturday’s narrow victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The incident that led to his sending off occurred when the 18-year-old was deemed to have committed serious foul play against Matt Doherty, resulting in a controversial decision from referee Michael Oliver. This ruling was particularly striking as it made Lewis-Skelly the third youngest player ever to receive a red card in Premier League history, which instantly sparked heated discussions among fans and analysts.
Following the match, Arsenal took swift action, lodging an appeal to contest the decision. The FA’s ruling to overturn the red card means that Lewis-Skelly can now participate in important upcoming fixtures, including the highly anticipated home match against Manchester City scheduled for Sunday. Additionally, the young full-back will be available for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle on February 5, as well as the Premier League encounter with Leicester City on February 15.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration over the initial decision during his press conference ahead of their Champions League group stage match against Girona. He candidly shared his feelings, stating, “Obviously, I’m very happy that a decision has been made and Myles is going to be able to play again.” Arteta’s delight reflects the broader sentiment within the club, underscoring his belief that the initial red card was a mistake.
When asked how Lewis-Skelly reacted to the news of the appeal’s success, Arteta mentioned that the young player was on a plane and sleeping when he received the information. “I imagine a big smile on his face,” Arteta added, illustrating the relief and joy that Lewis-Skelly likely felt upon waking to discover he would not face suspension.
An FA spokesperson provided clarity regarding the appeal’s outcome, announcing that an independent regulatory commission had upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Lewis-Skelly. The statement emphasized that the player’s red card for serious foul play had been rescinded. This was a noteworthy development given that the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) had previously determined the foul to be excessively late, with video evidence supporting that conclusion.
Despite the controversy surrounding the decision, Arsenal managed to secure victory at Wolves, who faced their own sending-off in the second half. Riccardo Calafiori’s decisive second-half goal not only clinched the win but also maintained Arsenal’s momentum in their campaign to challenge title rivals Liverpool.
After receiving the good news, Lewis-Skelly resumed training with his teammates at the club’s training facility in London Colney. Team-mate Riccardo Calafiori spoke on behalf of the squad, expressing collective relief and happiness at the outcome, asserting, “We are all happy [for him] – we knew it was a mistake.”
Currently, Arsenal is positioned third in the competitive 36-team Premier League table and appears well-set to progress automatically into the last 16, adding further incentive to their efforts as they continue their pursuit of a successful season. The overturning of Lewis-Skelly’s ban plays a crucial role in maintaining squad depth and competition as they navigate through multiple competitions.
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