The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has reportedly supported Michael Oliver’s decision to send off Myles Lewis-Skelly during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves. According to Sky Sports, PGMOL also backs the VAR process that confirmed the red card, despite widespread criticism from fans and pundits.
The incident occurred 43 minutes into the match at Molineux when Arsenal’s Lewis-Skelly committed a cynical foul during a Wolves counter-attack. While many believed it warranted only a yellow card, Oliver deemed the challenge high and dangerous, issuing a red card for serious foul play. VAR reviewed the decision and upheld it.
The decision has sparked significant backlash, with many Premier League fans and analysts labeling it excessively harsh. Former referee Keith Hackett even described it as a “major error.”
However, journalist Darren Lewis reported on Sky Sports, in a now-deleted post on X, that PGMOL is standing by Oliver and VAR official Darren England. He explained their reasoning:
“PGMOL’s position is that the challenge was extremely late, and the point of contact was high. They support Michael Oliver’s decision and believe Darren England saw nothing in the replays to overturn it. That’s why both officials have their backing.”
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