Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/Getty
Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, VAR, Champions League, Liverpool
Luke Davies
Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, VAR, Champions League, Liverpool
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card has got Liverpool supporters screenshotting the Premier League website.
Lewis-Skelly, 18, was sent off by referee Michael Oliver on 43 minutes for a foul on Wolves defender Matt Doherty during the Premier League fixture on Saturday.
Arsenal’s players and staff were visibly incensed by the decision with many fans feeling that Oliver, 39, should have brandished a yellow card rather than a red.
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Shortly after, the Premier League issued a statement via their Match Centre on X.
“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,” read the post.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could hardly contain his frustration when discussing the incident with Sky Sports after full time.
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"It is that clear and I will leave it to you guys," Arteta told Sky Sports. "I am absolutely fuming. But I will leave it with you, it is that obvious that I don't think my words are going to help."
However, since Saturday Oliver has been subject to “threats” and “abuse” causing the PGMOL to release a statement.
"We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture,” the statement read.
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“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."
Now, Oliver’s decision during the match at Molineux has caused Liverpool fans to screenshot the Premier League’s website.
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The Reds’ supporters noticed that the graphic used for the ‘high foot challenges’ guidance section on the league’s website is one of Jeremy Doku’s challenges on Alexis Mac Allister during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City in March 2024.
At the time, this was a huge match in the 2023/24 Premier League title race. However, the challenge which is posted on the website was not given as a foul.
In the 98th minute of the match at Anfield, Doku, 22, appeared to catch Mac Allister, 26, with a high boot when challenging for a bouncing ball in City’s penalty area.
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VAR checked the action and opted not to send Oliver to the monitor resulting in no penalty for the home side.