Mikel Arteta breaks silence on Myles Lewis-Skelly appeal and Michael Oliver abuse
Mikel Arteta breaks silence on Myles Lewis-Skelly appeal and Michael Oliver abuse
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is "really happy" Myles Lewis-Skelly's red card against Wolves has been overturned - but has condemned abuse directed to referee Michael Oliver. The Gunners were furious at Molineux on Saturday after Oliver decided to dismiss the 18-year-old left-back for "serious foul play" after he caught Matt Doherty during a counter-attack.
Lewis-Skelly was not the last man during the challenge, which occurred in Wolves' own defensive third, and many fans were baffled as to why a red card had been shown instead of yellow. VAR stood by Oliver's decision. The Spaniard previously said he was "absolutely fuming" over the call and claimed it was "that obvious" the club might not even need to appeal.
Just minutes before Arteta was due to speak, the FA confirmed Arsenal's appeal had been successful, with Lewis-Skelly's three-match ban overturned. Speaking ahead of their trip to Girona in the Champions League, Arteta said: "Yeah obviously really happy that the decision has been made and Myles is going to be available for us.".
Oliver has gone on to receive a torrent of abuse from fans after the game, which Arsenal won 1-0, with the Premier League and PGMOL both condemning the messages and the police opening an investigation. The official is reportedly under police guard after threats towards him and his family and will not be in charge for Arsenal's clash against Manchester City this weekend.
When asked about threats made to Oliver, he added: "The same, every time I talk about that topic, a player a coach, it doesn't matter. We have to try hard to eradicate it from the game. To everybody in football. It certainly damages our sport. So lets get it out.".
