PGMOL says it is “appalled” at the level of vitriol directed at referee Michael Oliver on social media after Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card during Arsenal’s win at Wolves.
Arsenal are expected to appeal the dismissal amid widespread criticism of Oliver’s decision, despite the body responsible for refereeing games in English professional association football defending the decision on Sunday.
Lewis-Skelly was sent off for fouling Matt Doherty near the edge of the Wolves box.
The decision was “checked and confirmed” by Darren England, with the VAR deeming Lewis-Skelly to have committed “serious foul play”.
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Jamie O’Hara and Jay Bothroyd weigh in on the debate around Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card against Wolves
Following online abuse of Oliver, a PGMOL 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.”
Redknapp: Referees can make mistakes
Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp:
“I’ve spoken to a couple of experts and former referees who have said that it was a bad tackle. They thought it was a red card and the player could have rolled his ankle and been out for a few weeks. They felt he was endangering an opponent, not just stopping the counter-attack.
“He does get him on the ankle, so it’s not a great challenge – let’s get that straight. But he [Oliver] absolutely doesn’t deserve that abuse. He might be the first to say he could have bought himself a little bit of time, but referees can make mistakes just like footballers can. That’s life.
“But if we’re getting to the point where every mistake is corruption, then we’re in a really dangerous place. VAR is still a matter of opinion.”
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Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy and The Mirror’s Darren Lewis discuss Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card
“I cannot believe Michael Oliver has sent Lewis-Skelly off there,” said Sky Sports’ Tim Sherwood on Soccer Saturday.
“It is that clear and I will leave it to you guys,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports after the game. “I am absolutely fuming. But I will leave it with you, it is that obvious that I don’t think my words are going to help.”
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Wolves’ match against Arsenal in the Premier League
PGMOL’s position on the incident is the challenge is extremely late, the point of contact is high and video evidence supports that conclusion.
In the second half of Arsenal’s win, Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes was only shown a yellow card for a high and late tackle on Jurrien Timber.
Although Gomes was sent off, the fact that he was dismissed for two bookings means he will only miss one match.
Lewis-Skelly – who at 18 is the third youngest player to be dismissed in Premier League history – by contrast, is currently set to miss Arsenal’s home game with Manchester City, live on Sky Sports on Sunday, as well as the televised second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with Newcastle and the Premier League trip to Leicester on February 15.
