FA Confirms Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Three-Match Suspension Removed 🔴⚪️
Arsenal fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the FA has officially overturned Myles Lewis-Skelly’s three-match suspension, clearing the young star to return to action immediately. The decision follows an appeal by Arsenal, which was swiftly reviewed and upheld by an independent FA panel. This means Lewis-Skelly will be available for the Gunners’ upcoming fixtures, providing a crucial boost for Mikel Arteta’s squad. 🟢👌🏻
The Incident
The controversy began during Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday. Lewis-Skelly was shown a straight red card in the first half for what referee Michael Oliver deemed serious foul play on Wolves defender Matt Doherty. The incident occurred just outside Wolves’ penalty area, and while VAR official Darren England reviewed multiple replays of the challenge, he chose not to recommend overturning Oliver’s on-field decision.
The red card sparked immediate outrage from Arsenal fans, former players, and pundits, many of whom criticized the decision as harsh and unjustified. Mikel Arteta also expressed his frustration in the post-match press conference, calling the situation “obvious” and hinting that the club would strongly consider appealing.
Arsenal’s Successful Appeal
Determined to fight the decision, Arsenal submitted an official appeal before the Tuesday noon deadline. After a thorough review by an independent regulatory commission, the FA confirmed that Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal was a case of wrongful suspension. The panel decided to overturn the three-match ban, allowing the player to participate in Arsenal’s domestic matches without delay.
In a statement, the FA said:
“An Independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension. The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, January 25th.”
Fallout from the Decision
While the FA’s ruling is a positive outcome for Arsenal, the match official, Michael Oliver, has faced severe backlash since the game. Reports revealed that Oliver and his family received threats, including death threats, following the controversial red card decision. As a precaution, police officers were sent to his home on Sunday to ensure their safety.
Despite the negativity surrounding the situation, Arsenal’s successful appeal highlights the importance of VAR and the appeals process in ensuring fairness in the sport.
Arteta and Fans React
Speaking after the decision, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his satisfaction:
“It’s the right decision. Everyone who saw the challenge could see it wasn’t a red card. I’m glad common sense prevailed, and now we can move forward with Myles back in the team.”
Fans have also taken to social media to celebrate the FA’s ruling, praising the club for standing by Lewis-Skelly and fighting the decision.
Looking Ahead
With the suspension lifted, Lewis-Skelly will be eligible to play in Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League fixtures. This comes at a crucial time as the Gunners aim to maintain their momentum in the title race. The young midfielder has been a standout performer this season, and his availability will undoubtedly strengthen Arteta’s options in the midfield.
This decision marks a small victory for Arsenal and reinforces the importance of accountability and fairness in football. For now, the Gunners can focus on their next challenge, with Lewis-Skelly ready to make an impact once again.