Arsenal charged by FA over player protest on red card

Arsenal has been charged by the Football Association (FA) after their players confronted referee Michael Oliver following the controversial red card issued to Myles Lewis-Skelly during their 1-0 victory against Wolves.

Oliver sent off the 18-year-old in the first half for a challenge on Matt Doherty, deeming it serious foul play. However, Arsenal successfully appealed the decision, and Lewis-Skelly’s three-match ban was overturned earlier this week.

Despite the reversal, the FA has charged Arsenal for allegedly failing to ensure their players “did not behave in an improper manner.” The club has until February 3 to respond.

Meanwhile, the referees’ body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), confirmed that police are investigating “threats and abuse” directed at Oliver in the aftermath of the match.

The red card, which was upheld by VAR official Darren England at the time, sparked widespread debate. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was furious with the decision, while Match of the Day pundit and Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer called it “one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in a long time.”