Premier League release statement after Myles Lewis-Skelly given one of the most controversial straight red cards in recent memory

The Premier League issued an in-game statement during Arsenal's Premier League clash against Wolves after Myles Lewis-Skelly was handed a controversial straight red card.

Arsenal went down to 10-men in Saturday's game at Molineux after Lewis-Skelly became the third-youngest player in Premier League history to receive a red card.

In what has become a huge talking point online, the 18-year-old defender was sent for an early bath following a last-ditch challenge on Matt Doherty which was deemed serious foul play.

Even though the Wolves defender was barely out of his own penalty area, referee Michael Oliver was clearly convinced and VAR backed the on-field decision to dismiss Arsenal's number 49.

Soon, the Premier League Match Centre released a statement on the incident.

How is this a red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly????? pic.twitter.com/alLUTJhYRs

— Septimus Prime🇸🇱 (@septimusajprime) January 25, 2025

It read: "The referee’s call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play."

Here's how fans on social media reacted to the above incident.

One said: "I don’t say this lightly, but I think that red card for Lewis-Skelly is the worst decision I’ve ever witnessed at a football stadium. I’m completely baffled how that has been cleared by VAR. It’s the classic ‘good’ yellow card you take to cynically stop a counter."

A second wrote: "Oh my word. Lewis-Skelly has just been sent off for bringing a Wolves player down about 90 yards from goal. That is remarkable."

A third commented: "I’m sorry WHAT????? Myles Lewis Skelly shown a straight red card for a tactical foul to stop a counter attack. It’s the most obvious yellow card offence you’ll ever see. Once again we’ve been done over by a red card you will NEVER see given again."

A fourth said: "That Lewis-Skelly red card is confirmation that something isn’t quite right with these refs. A straight red for a mistimed swiped on the edge of their box? I’ve never seen a red like it."

A fifth added: "That sending off for Lewis-Skelly is probably the worst refereeing decision you’re ever going to see. And now their fans are going to be absolutely insufferable."

Thoughts on the incident? Was it a straight red? Let us know in the comments.