Alan Shearer agrees with Arsenal as FA issue statement ahead of Newcastle United Carabao Cup clash

The 18-year-old was shown a straight red card in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday for stopping a counter-attack with a lunging leg on Mat Doherty.

Referee - and Geordie - Michael Oliver showed no hesitation in sending the young left-back off for violent conduct. Oliver has since been subjected to death threats.

Mikel Arteta and pundit criticism

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed his anger after the game, telling reporters: “It is that clear that I leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you, because it is that obvious. I don't think my words are going to help.

'Hopefully we don't need to (appeal the red card) and if we have to, it happened and it's a really good precedent what happened with Bruno (Fernandes) this season as well. We are in a position we shouldn't be in.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer called it “one of the worst decisions” he’s seen in a long time.

“As a referee you can get it wrong on the pitch, you might see something which is incorrect,” said Shearer. “How on earth Darren England, the VAR, thinks that the referee has got that right and there is no need to send him to the screen.

“One of the worst decisions that I've seen in a long time. I just cannot see and work out what VAR is thinking going along with Michael Oliver's decision. No wonder it gets criticised by so many people.”

PGMOL statement

Less than 24 hours later, the PGMOL was forced to release a statement addressing the death threats and abuse directed at Oliver.

“We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture,” a PGMOL statement read.

“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.”

FA overturned Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card

Arsenal lodged an appeal on Monday morning and received confirmation from the FA in the evening that Lewis-Skelly’s ban had been overturned.

An FA statement read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.

“The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, 25 January 2025.”