FA release statement as decision made on Myles Lewis-Skelly suspension after Arsenal appeal

An independent FA panel has reached a final verdict over Arsenal's appeal of wrongful dismissal relating to Myles Lewis-Skelly's red card in their 1-0 win over Wolves on Saturday.

Lewis-Skelly was shown a straight red card in the first half for serious foul play on Wolves defender Matt Doherty.

Referee Michael Oliver made the decision on the pitch after the incident, which occurred around 10 yards out from Wolves' own penalty area.

The incident was checked by VAR official Darren England, who did not recommend that Oliver change his decision after viewing several replays.

Arsenal appealed the decision before the Tuesday 12pm deadline - and an independent FA panel have already reached a verdict after assessing the appeal.

They have decided to uphold Arsenal's claim and therefore remove Lewis-Skelly's three-match suspension, making him eligible for the Gunners' upcoming domestic fixtures.

An FA statement reads: "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."

Image: Twitter/@FAspokesperson

The PGMOL revealed that Oliver had faced threats and abuse following the fixture on Saturday, with the Daily Mail's Oliver Holt reporting that these had stretched as far as death threats towards the 39-year-old and his family.

It was reported that several police officers were sent to his home address on Sunday as a precautionary measure to check up on the safety of Oliver and his family.

The decision to send Lewis-Skelly off was condemned by a number of ex-players and pundits, as well as manager Mikel Arteta.

He told reporters: "I am absolutely fuming because it is that obvious, I don't think my words are going to help.

"It is that clear that I will leave it to you, and hopefully the right thing will happen after today.

"I think it's that obvious, maybe we don't even need to [appeal]."