Myles Lewis-Skelly Red Card: PGMOL ‘FIGALLED’ after referee Michael Oliver receives social media abuse for displaying Arsenal Defender Red Card | Football news

PGMOL says it is ‘appalling’ at the level of Vitriol directed at referee Michael Oliver on social media following the Myles Lewis-Skelly Red card during Arsenal’s win at Wolves.

Arsenal are expected to appeal the dismissal amid widespread criticism of Oliver’s decision, although the body responsible for referee games in football, the English Professional Association, defended the decision on Sunday.

Lewis-Skelly was sent on for fouling Matt Doherty near the edge of the Wolves box.

The decision was “verified and confirmed” by Darren England, with Farr Lewis Skelly committing “foul play”.

Following the online abuse of Oliver, a PGMOL statement read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal.

“No official should be subjected to any form of abuse, let alone the hateful attacks targeting Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.

“Police have become aware, and a number of investigations have begun. We support Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first time a match official has had to deal with recent threats. We will continue to support all investigations.”

Redknapp: Referees can make mistakes

Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp:

“I spoke to a couple of experts and former referees who said it was a poor tackle. They thought it was a red card and the player could have twisted his ankle and been out for a few weeks. They felt it was putting the opposition in danger, not just stopping the counter-attack.

“He brings it up on the ankle, so it’s not too much of a challenge – let’s just move straight. But he doesn’t deserve that abuse at all. He might be the first to say he could have bought himself a bit of time, but referees can make mistakes just as footballers can.

“But if we get to the point where everything’s fault is corruption, then we’re in a really dangerous place. Var is still a matter of opinion.”

“I can’t believe Michael Oliver sent Luis-Queli there,” he said. Sky Sports’ Tim Sherwood on Football Saturday.

“Obviously I will leave it up to you guys,” Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said Sky Sports After the game. “I fully support. But I’ll leave it with you. I obviously don’t think my words will help.”

PGMOL’s position in the incident is very late challenging, the point of contact is high and video evidence supports this conclusion.

In the second half of Arsenal’s win, Wolves midfielder Joao Gomez was shown a yellow card only for a high, late tackle into the woods of Gorien.

Although Gomez was sent off, the fact that he was refused two bookings meant he would only miss one match.

By contrast, Lewis-Skelly, officiating at the home fixture with Manchester City, is currently scheduled to be live Sky Sports on Sunday, as well as the second televised round of the Carabao Cup semi-final with Newcastle and a Premier League trip to Leicester on February 15.