Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta Called Out FA Over Red Card

Mikel Arteta has urged the FA to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly's controversial red card in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Wolves.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on the Football Association to overturn the controversial red card given to defender Myles Lewis-Skelly in Saturday's 1-0 win at Wolves. Lewis-Skelly, 18, became the third youngest player to be dismissed in Premier League history when referee Michael Oliver showed him a straight red card in the first half for clipping Matt Doherty.

The decision was widely criticized, with many considering it to be harsh. Former England captain Alan Shearer described it as “one of the worst decisions that I've seen in a long time.” Arteta was furious with the decision and hopes that it will be overturned. “I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you,” Arteta said.

Mikel Arteta believes that the decision was clear and does not require further comment. “I think it is that obvious that we don't need any comment today and hopefully the right thing will happen,” he said. The Arsenal manager hopes that the FA will take into account the precedent set by Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who had his red card against Tottenham overturned earlier in the season.

💬 "An unbelievable spirit, so much courage and very, very intelligent – to be mature, to be composed, to be emotionally in control."

Mikel is proud of our determination 💪

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 25, 2025

Arteta is prepared to appeal the decision if necessary, but hopes that it will not come to that. “Hopefully we don't need to (appeal the decision) and if we have to, there is a really good precedent, what happened with Bruno this season as well,” he said. The Arsenal manager wants to ensure that Lewis-Skelly is available for selection in the coming weeks. “OK, we were in a position that we shouldn't be in, at least let's be in a position that we should be in for the next few weeks and allow that player to continue to his job.”

Arsenal demonstrated remarkable resilience to secure a vital win, thanks to Riccardo Calafiori's 74th-minute goal. This decisive strike came four minutes after the hosts had also been reduced to 10 men, following Joao Gomes' dismissal. The victory keeps Arsenal's title aspirations alive, as they trail Liverpool by six points, having played one game more.

Mikel Arteta was effusive in his praise for his players, saying: “I'm extremely proud of the players. I mean, you can talk about our courage, you can talk about spirit, but as well about intelligence, the way they managed the game emotionally, it was unbelievable, especially with what we had to face and how they felt about it.” Arteta emphasized the team's collective resolve, adding: “All of them just faced the situation. We went to a second half and the only message was to go out there to win the game. That's it.”