Arsenal have been charged by the Football Association after players surrounded referee Michael Oliver following the controversial dismissal of Myles Lewis-Skelly during their 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Afrosport reports.
Lewis-Skelly was sent off by Oliver in the first half at the Molineux Stadium for a foul on Wolves defender Matt Doherty, which the referee deemed as serious foul play.
Arsenal players, visibly frustrated by the referee’s ruling, which was upheld by the video assistant referee Darren England, protested the decision, with some players confronting Oliver.
The Gunners, however, appealed the ruling earlier in the week, and the FA rescinded the red card and overturned the three-match ban handed to the 18-year-old fullback.
The FA, in a statement released on Thursday, said Arsenal had allegedly failed to ensure their players “did not behave in an improper manner”.
Regulation and Discipline update on @Arsenal: pic.twitter.com/cXrY4eXM7m
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) January 30, 2025
Oliver’s call to send Lewis-Skelly off divided opinions, with many pundits and fans shocked by his decision. The Englishman has since been the target of “threats and abuse”, which the British police said they are investigating.
Arsenal, who play Manchester City on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium, have until 3 February to respond to the FA charge.
