Lewis-Skelly ban overturned after Arsenal appeal

Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly’s three-match ban – imposed for a red card at Wolves on Saturday – has been overturned.

The Football Association confirmed that the Gunners had filed an appeal against the 18-year-old’s dismissal, and that an independent regulatory body upheld their claim.

On the eve of their final Champions League group game against Girona, manager Mikel Arteta stated, “We’re very happy that decision has been made.”

The club responded, “The club has presented all of the available evidence and arguments” to support our position. It’s good to know today basically, that’s helpful.

Because he’s going to be available, the team now has more options, which is very encouraging.

After fouling Matt Doherty, Lewis-Skelly was shown a straight red card, with referee Michael Oliver ruling it to be serious foul play.

In the 43rd minute, Doherty launched a counterattack just outside the Wolves box. Darren England, the video assistant referee (VAR), was the first to support the decision.

Wolves later went down to 10 men after Joao Gomes ‘ second yellow on 70 minutes, before Riccardo Calafiori’s 74th-minute strike gave Arsenal a 1-0 win.

Immediately after Saturday’s game, Arteta told BBC Match of the Day the decision was” so obvious that today you don’t need my words”.

” I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you, “he said to Sky Sports.

” Because it is that obvious, I don’t think my words are going to help. “

Lewis-Skelly caught Doherty’s shin and then foot, and Oliver quickly showed a red card, with VAR deciding against sending the referee to the pitchside monitor.

On the Premier League’s website it says high, full and forceful contact on the ankle or above is” considered dangerous “and a” red card”.

Alan Shearer, the competition’s record goalscorer, said the sending off was” one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in a long time”.

” As a referee you can get it wrong on the pitch, you might see something which is incorrect, “he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Arsenal substitute Calafiori told Sky Sports that” from the bench, it was clearly not a red card”.

“It worries me that there is a VAR as an assistant and a VAR who believe it to be serious foul play,” the assistant said.

Mike Dean, a former Premier League official, said: “When you see a still image, you understand what he has done. For serious foul play, he has stowed his studs down his leg. Scraped down the Achilles”.

Former Chelsea and Scotland winger Pat Nevin: “Myles Lewis-Skelly is only 10 yards outside the opposition’s box. It must be for violent conduct, but that doesn’t look like violent conduct. It’s a cynical trip. That is something I have never witnessed. I am stunned by a red card”.

Former Manchester City centre-back Nedum Onuoha: “It’s definitely not a red card for me. With more replays, I now understand why it is the right course of action. Perhaps the referee realizes that Myles Lewis-Skelly isn’t intending to play the ball. It’s a tough moment for Arsenal. I believe the youngster needs to be aware that there are various methods for doing that.

” That’s not a red. That will get overturned very quickly. He tries to stop the counter-attack and it doesn’t look very bad to me. “

BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman:” Baffling and nonsensical. “