Gary Neville calls out Arsenal fans as he launches into rant after Myles Lewis-Skelly decision

Gary Neville has branded Arsenal fans “entitled” for the reaction to Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card against Wolves. The teenager was sent off on Saturday after bringing down Matt Doherty, with referee Michael Oliver’s call being ratified by VAR. The decision infuriated Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and fans, and the red card has subsequently been overturned on appeal. Meanwhile, Oliver has been the subject of online attacks, including death threats against his family. The fierce reaction to the dismissal has been condemned by Sky Sports pundit Neville, who has called out the club’s behaviour following contentious decisions in general.

“It don’t think it was the worst decision I’ve ever seen,” he said on the It’s Called Soccer podcast. “What I will say is – and I’m not bothered because Arsenal fans aren’t great fans of me anyway – but they’ve become so entitled, honestly. “They were playing Wolves, who’ve had more bad decisions against them over the last 15 months than any club in the country, it feels like. They had some shockers against them last season.”.

Neville said Arsenal’s reaction reminded him of the Manchester United side he was part of in the 90s and 2000s. He added: “Every time Arsenal have a bad decision against them, the exaggeration in terms of the response is… Maybe it was the same with us at United back in the day and why people didn’t like us. “Maybe that’s what Arsenal are creating now, that siege mentality, ‘everyone’s against’, and Mikel Arteta likes that. I can see why people didn’t like us back in the day, in relation to referees, because they felt that’s how we probably acted.

“It’s the same with this Arsenal team, there’s a definite exaggeration within their cohort every time a decision goes against them, it’s like the end of the world!”. Arteta, who said he was “fuming” at the red card after the game, has since spoken out in support of Oliver following the abuse he has received. Speaking ahead of the Gunners’ Champions League clash against Girona, he said: “We really have to work harder to eradicate this part of the game that brings nothing but bad stuff, leaves a bad taste and makes people’s lives more difficult.

"Let’s get it out, let’s kick it out. It’s for everyone in football, it should not be permitted. We don’t want it, we don’t need it and certainly damages our sport. Let’s get it out.”. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.