Arsenal have successfully appealed Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card, meaning the defender will be available for their upcoming match against Newcastle United.
The Football Association issued a statement confirming that the club’s appeal for wrongful dismissal was upheld after the 18-year-old received a straight red card from referee Michael Oliver for a foul on Matt Doherty during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The statement read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and rescinded his three-match suspension. The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, January 25, 2025.”
Had the appeal not been successful, Lewis-Skelly would have faced a three-match ban, meaning he would have missed the Carabao Cup second leg against Newcastle at St James’ Park, as well as Premier League matches against Manchester City and Leicester City. However, with the appeal now granted, he is immediately available for selection.
The red card was reviewed by VAR, which supported Oliver’s decision, labeling the challenge as “serious foul play.” According to Premier League guidelines, “high, full, and forceful contact on the ankle or above is considered dangerous and results in a red card.”
The decision sparked anger from Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, who criticized Oliver’s ruling. The referee was subjected to significant online abuse and threats, with some even pointing out his connections to Newcastle ahead of their upcoming fixture. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited condemned the abuse aimed at Oliver following the decision.
Despite his frustration with the decision, Arteta was confident that the suspension would be overturned, stating the case for an appeal was clear. He also expressed confidence in his team’s victory and the outcome of the appeal, adding, “He is really happy now that the team won and found a way to win it. He is very worried about what’s coming next because he’s strongly feeling that there was nothing to do with the action.”
Who will miss Newcastle United vs Arsenal?
While Lewis-Skelly’s suspension has been lifted, Arsenal will be without Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka due to injury, with Ben White also a major doubt for the match.
Newcastle, meanwhile, will miss Jamaal Lascelles and Harvey Barnes, though Callum Wilson is nearing a return and targeting the Arsenal game as his comeback date. Additionally, goalkeeper Nick Pope has returned to action after a seven-week absence due to a knee injury.
The winner of next Wednesday’s semi-final will face either Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, March 16. Newcastle reached the final in 2023 but lost 2-0 to Manchester United. Liverpool are the current holders, having defeated Chelsea in last season’s final.
FA issue official statement set to impact Arsenal & Newcastle United after Mikel Arteta complaint
