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Saturday, Feb 21, 2026
Outside the box.
Controversial Red Card Mars Arsenal Victory Over Wolves
Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly receives a disputed red card in a tightly contested match against Wolves.
A controversial red card issued to Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly overshadowed Arsenal's narrow 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
The match, which took place at the Emirates Stadium, saw 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly sent off in the 43rd minute after a challenge on Wolves' defender Matt Doherty.
Referee Michael Oliver deemed the tackle as 'serious foul play', a decision that was subsequently upheld by the video assistant referee (VAR).
The incident occurred when Doherty attempted to initiate a counter-attack from the edge of the penalty area.
Lewis-Skelly's challenge, described as catching Doherty's shin and foot, led Oliver to issue a straight red card.
This decision drew significant scrutiny, with pundits and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressing strong reactions.
Arteta, speaking after the match, commented on the decision's obviousness, noting that further words were unnecessary.
The match referee’s decision was supported by VAR, which opted not to recommend a review at the pitchside monitor.
According to the Premier League's regulations, high, full, and forceful contact is considered dangerous, warranting a red card.
The Arsenal manager did not confirm whether the club intends to appeal the decision, although if the red card stands, Lewis-Skelly will miss three crucial upcoming fixtures.
His dismissal makes him the third youngest player to be red-carded in the Premier League, following Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.
The red card debate extended beyond managers and pundits, with former players and fans weighing in.
Alan Shearer, the Premier League's record goal-scorer, labeled the decision as one of the worst he has witnessed, criticizing the VAR's failure to prompt a reassessment.
Contrarily, fans voiced mixed opinions, with some agreeing with the referee’s call and others strongly opposing it.
This incident adds to a series of recent controversies involving Arsenal and officiating decisions this season, which include multiple grievances from manager Arteta regarding prior red cards and penalties.
Despite the sending off, Arsenal managed to secure victory with a 74th-minute goal from substitute Riccardo Calafiori, retaining their pursuit of Liverpool at the top of the league standings.
The match, which took place at the Emirates Stadium, saw 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly sent off in the 43rd minute after a challenge on Wolves' defender Matt Doherty.
Referee Michael Oliver deemed the tackle as 'serious foul play', a decision that was subsequently upheld by the video assistant referee (VAR).
The incident occurred when Doherty attempted to initiate a counter-attack from the edge of the penalty area.
Lewis-Skelly's challenge, described as catching Doherty's shin and foot, led Oliver to issue a straight red card.
This decision drew significant scrutiny, with pundits and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressing strong reactions.
Arteta, speaking after the match, commented on the decision's obviousness, noting that further words were unnecessary.
The match referee’s decision was supported by VAR, which opted not to recommend a review at the pitchside monitor.
According to the Premier League's regulations, high, full, and forceful contact is considered dangerous, warranting a red card.
The Arsenal manager did not confirm whether the club intends to appeal the decision, although if the red card stands, Lewis-Skelly will miss three crucial upcoming fixtures.
His dismissal makes him the third youngest player to be red-carded in the Premier League, following Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.
The red card debate extended beyond managers and pundits, with former players and fans weighing in.
Alan Shearer, the Premier League's record goal-scorer, labeled the decision as one of the worst he has witnessed, criticizing the VAR's failure to prompt a reassessment.
Contrarily, fans voiced mixed opinions, with some agreeing with the referee’s call and others strongly opposing it.
This incident adds to a series of recent controversies involving Arsenal and officiating decisions this season, which include multiple grievances from manager Arteta regarding prior red cards and penalties.
Despite the sending off, Arsenal managed to secure victory with a 74th-minute goal from substitute Riccardo Calafiori, retaining their pursuit of Liverpool at the top of the league standings.
