Michael Oliver's chat with VAR explains why controversial Arsenal red wasn't overturned
Michael Oliver's chat with VAR explains why controversial Arsenal red wasn't overturned
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The conversation between referee Michael Oliver and the VAR team at Stockley Park sheds more light on the controversial decision to send off Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly. Lewis-Skelly, 18, was shown a straight red card by Oliver, considered one of the Premier League's best officials, in one of the most talked-about refereeing decisions so far this season. The Gunners left-back had caught Wolves star Matt Doherty's shin and ankle with his studs when attempting to stop a counter attack following an Arsenal corner.
In a stunning moment, Oliver pulled out the red card from his pocket instead of the yellow most were expecting. Arsenal's players swarmed the referee, pleading for him to take another look on the pitch-side monitor. But in another striking development, VAR didn't intervene and Oliver's on-field decision stood. This happened because the Northumberland-born referee followed the correct protocol and provided an accurate description of the incident to the VAR team.
Darren England, who was the lead video assistant referee for the game at Molineux, listened and felt that there was insufficient evidence to overturn the decision. The images which England and assistant VAR Adrian Holmes closely examined showed Lewis-Skelly making contact with Doherty's leg with his studs.
VAR can still recommend an on-field check if they believe the referee wasn't providing an accurate explanation to back up their decision. Only one red card has been overturned because of VAR intervention this season - West Ham midfielder Guido Rodriguez against Southampton - while two have been overturned following an appeal.
