Arsenal handed new Myles Lewis-Skelly verdict after controversial red card
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes it was the wrong decision to send off Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The 18-year-old was shown a red card by Michael Oliver in the first-half during their 1-0 win over Wolves at Molineux. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was left furious by the decision but it was determined that the full-back had endangered his opponent.
Should Arsenal choose not to appeal, Lewis-Skelly will miss the next three matches against Manchester City, Newcastle United and Leicester City.
READ MORE: VAR 'protocol' confirmed as Arsenal receive new Myles Lewis-Skelly referee red card verdict
READ MORE: Who is Sverre Nypan? Arsenal transfer target spotted amid Man Utd dream and advantage over Man City
"I think it is breaking up a promising attack. That's my opinion and other referees see it differently," said Gallagher. "Lewis-Skelly realises Doherty is away and his priority is to stop him quickly, and he flicks out.
"It's a very cynical foul but not a red card. It's not the worst decision in the world like people say.
"Referee Michael Oliver feels, and still feels, that he goes down his Achilles. If that's what he thinks, referees are told now that a tackle with studs down the Achilles have to be a red card. I don't think he does. It happens very quickly.
"But for me, I think it is a yellow card for stopping a promising attack. Is the challenge with brutality? Is it with malice? Is it gaining intensity and speed? I think not."
Former Liverpool and Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock was in agreement that Oliver made the incorrect decision but felt the official was let down by the Video Assistant Referee.
"I don't think it's a red - I also don't think it's the worst decision we've ever seen in football," he added. "There's been a lot made of this over the weekend and some people are going very over the top on it.
"I think it's the wrong decision. I think it's a flick of the ankle more than anything. It's a cynical foul, a tactical foul, which he knows he has to make because of Wolves breaking, but there's no malice in it.
"Yes, he catches him with his studs ever so slightly, but it's not a stomp down on him.
"My biggest thing is why has it not gone to VAR or why have VAR not asked Michael Oliver to go to the screen and look at the situation and talk about it? For me, the team have let the referee down."
