The PGMOL has released a statement announcing that they have initiated an investigation into Michael Oliver’s decision to send off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly during the match against Wolves.
Lewis-Skelly received a contentious straight red card for his challenge on Matt Doherty just before halftime, with the Premier League affirming that the decision was backed by VAR.
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A statement from the Premier League’s ..Continue Reading
Despite Arsenal’s victory, thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s goal, the incident stirred significant debate online.
On Sunday evening, the PGMOL confirmed that referee Michael Oliver received threats and abuse from supporters, prompting the police to launch investigations into the “unacceptable behaviour.”
The statement read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture. 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.”
Lewis-Skelly has become a key player for Arsenal recently, but he is now facing a three-match suspension. This means he will be absent for the upcoming games against Manchester City and the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United.
However, Mikel Arteta suggested that Arsenal might appeal the red card, and if successful, the FA could overturn the ban.
“I am absolutely fuming because it is that obvious, I don’t think my words are going to help,” Arteta told Sky Sports.
“It is that clear that I will leave it to you and hopefully the right thing will happen after today.
“It’s for the club to decide what the best decision is. I think it’s that obvious, maybe we don’t even need to [appeal]. It’s a really good precedent to what happened with Bruno [Fernandes] this season as well. We are in a position we shouldn’t be in.
“Hopefully it will be fair for the team and the player what is going to happen in the coming weeks. That’s what I’m hoping.”
