The exchange between referee Michael Oliver and the VAR team at Stockley Park has provided further insight into the contentious decision to dismiss Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Lewis-Skelly, 18, was shown a straight red card by Oliver, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s top officials, in one of the most debated refereeing calls of the season so far.
The Gunners’ left-back caught Wolves’ Matt Doherty on the shin and ankle with his studs while attempting to halt a counter-attack following an Arsenal corner.
In a dramatic moment, Oliver produced a red card instead of the yellow many had anticipated. Arsenal’s players immediately surrounded the referee, urging him to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor.
However, in a surprising twist, VAR did not intervene, and Oliver’s on-field decision stood. This outcome was due to the Northumberland-born referee adhering to the correct protocol and providing an accurate description of the incident to the VAR team.
Darren England, the lead video assistant referee for the match at Molineux, listened to Oliver’s explanation and concluded there was insufficient evidence to overturn the decision.
The footage reviewed by England and assistant VAR Adrian Holmes clearly showed Lewis-Skelly making contact with Doherty’s leg using his studs.
VAR retains the authority to recommend an on-field review if they believe the referee’s explanation does not align with the evidence.
So far this season, only one red card has been overturned due to VAR intervention—West Ham’s Guido Rodriguez against Southampton—while two others have been rescinded following appeals.
The PGMOL is expected to uphold Lewis-Skelly’s red card, according to ESPN, as they did with the VAR dismissal of Brentford’s Christian Norgaard at Everton earlier in the campaign.
Brentford later saw that decision overturned, as the appeal process involves an independent panel of former players rather than the PGMOL.
Amid the scrutiny surrounding Oliver’s decision, the PGMOL has revealed that the 39-year-old referee and his family have been subjected to “threats and abuse.”
A statement read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”
“No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours. The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.
“We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour. Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times. We will continue to support all investigations.”
