Michael Owen blasts Arsenal 'hysteria' at Myles Lewis-Skelly red card
Yesterday at 11:40 AM
Michael Owen has slammed the “hysteria” that has followed Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card for Arsenal against Wolves.
The 18-year-old was sent off, after attempting to stop a counter-attack from Wolves’ Matt Doherty in the Gunners’ 1-0 win (25 January).
Michael Oliver’s decision to send off Lewis-Skelly caused outrage online, and Keith Hackett condemned the abuse Oliver received online.
The red card has since been overturned by the FA, following an appeal from Arsenal.
The discourse online and in the news, has bothered former Liverpool and Man United striker, Owen, who kept the conversation about the red card going, by saying on X: “The hysteria that’s followed the Lewis-Skelly red card is unbelievable. Why is it still headline news?
“I covered the game and was adamant it was a yellow card but I know a few current and ex players who though it was a red.
“Thankfully it didn’t affect the result and sense has sense has since prevailed with it being rescinded. Now let's move on!”
Arsenal decision reaction against Michael Oliver unacceptable
Football Insider Verdict
The FA has arguably set a dangerous precedent for fans of other Premier League clubs by allowing Arsenal to successfully appeal the red card.
Following the decision, the backlash that Oliver faced online was overwhelming, if you had not seen the foul, you might think that it was the worst decision on the planet.
But Lewis-Skelly does make contact with his studs on Doherty’s leg, and as Owen alluded to, it was not an completely obvious wrong decision.
A yellow card was most likely the correct option, but a red card was at least understandable. It was a cynical attempt to stop a breakaway from Wolves, and the young Arsenal player could have injured Doherty.
The FA have seemingly shown that there are no repercussions for bombarding one of their top referee’s with abuse online, and they have failed to support Oliver.
After seeing the response from some the North London club’s supporters, this will likely only encourage fans of other clubs to do the same when their team inevitably faces a debatable refereeing decision.
In other news, the Gunners may miss out on one of their top targets this transfer window to rivals Man City.
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