Why Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly Was Sent Off Against Wolves | OneFootball

Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly's controversial red card in the team's Premier League match against Wolves on Saturday was given because of 'serious foul play', according to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), English football's official body of professional referees.

The PGMOL released a statement on social media platform X, shortly after Lewis-Skelly was given a straight red card by referee Michael Oliver in the first half for his late challenge on Wolves defender Matt Doherty, which meant Arsenal received a fourth red card in the Premier League this campaign.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was enraged after the Gunners' 1–0 victory at Molineux, and expressed how the club should not have to appeal Oliver's decision. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "It [his thoughts on Olover's decision] is that clear and I will leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming. But I will leave it with you, it is that obvious that I don't think my words are going to help.

"That's for the club to decide what is the best decision. It's that obvious that maybe we don't even need to [put in an appeal]."

Lewis-Skelly is now set to miss the Gunners' next three domestic matches, if Arsenal cannot lodge a successful appeal of his red card. The 18-year-old defender would miss a crucial Premier League home fixture against Manchester City next Sunday, as well as the team's Carabao Cup second leg encounter away at Newcastle, and the team's visit to Leicester on Feb 15.

However, despite going down to 10 players, defender Riccardo Calafiori's superb half-volley ensured Arsenal left Molineux with a vital 1–0 win against a Wolves side that was reduced to 10 players after João Gomes's forceful late tackle on visiting right back Jurrien Timber in the 70th minute.