Exclusive: Ex-PGMOL chief gives Arsenal Michael Oliver appeal instructions
Arsenal should focus their appeal on the wording of the law when they dispute Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card from their win over Wolves, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the 18-year-old’s challenge does not meet the conditions required in the law to be considered serious foul play.
Many were stunned by Michael Oliver’s decision to send off the Gunners left-back during his side’s win at Wolves on Saturday (25 January), after tripping Matt Doherty just outside his own area.
Now, details are emerging about the plan Arsenal have in place to contest the decision, with an appeal now submitted [BBC Sport], which Hackett has given his verdict on.
Arsenal told how to appeal Myles Lewis-Skelly red card
There have been suggestions that the Gunners will use Bruno Fernandes’ overturned red card for Man United against Tottenham earlier this season in their appeal against Lewis-Skelly’s red card (Daily Mail).
The Red Devils captain had been shown a straight red for a challenge on James Maddison, although that was quickly overturned with no ban being served.
Arsenal are seemingly hopeful that could help Lewis-Skelly avoid a suspension of his own, although Hackett believes the club should focus on the incident in question when making their appeal.
Speaking to Football Insider about the suggestion the Gunners will use that Fernandes incident as part of their appeal, the former referee said:
“Firstly, Arsenal should place their emphasis on the red card issued to their player. At the forefront of their appeal they should demonstrate and use the actual wording of the law.
“Serious Foul Play: This is the offence that the PGMOL have confirmed as the reason for the red card.
“The law states – ‘Serious Foul Play: A tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play. Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.’
“They should underpin that there was not excessive force in the challenge and neither was there brutality in the challenge.”
Following Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal, Arsenal found themselves playing against ten men after Joao Gomes was also sent off after being shown a second yellow card with 20 minutes of normal time remaining.
Mikel Arteta’s side then snatched a late winner courtesy of Ricardo Calafiori’s finish from close range in the 85th minute.
The fallout has seen Oliver subject to serious abuse, with police now involved [Guardian], a situation Hackett has branded “unacceptable”.
In other news, Nottingham Forest are battling Arsenal for one of their transfer targets this January transfer window.
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