Arsenal have been charged by the Football Association over the protests that ensued after Michael Oliver dismissed Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolves. Gunners players surrounded the referee after the left-back was harshly sent off in their 1-0 victory.
Oliver surprisingly showed a red card after Lewis-Skelly challenged Matt Doherty on the edge of Wolves’ penalty area. The sending-off has since been rescinded, and the 18-year-old’s three-match ban has been overturned.
However, Arsenal now face an FA charge over their players surrounding Oliver in the aftermath of the decision. They are accused of failing to ensure that their players did not behave in an improper manner in the 43rd minute of the game.
Arsenal have until Monday to respond.
“Arsenal FC has been charged after its players surrounded a match official during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers FC on Saturday, 25 January,” an FA spokesperson said.
“The club allegedly failed to ensure that its players did not behave in an improper manner around the 43rd minute. Arsenal FC has until Monday, 3 February, to provide a response.”
Arsenal stars were furious with the decision to dismiss Lewis-Skelly, the first red card of his career. Several of their players confronted Oliver to protest. VAR upheld the on-field decision of a red card.
Oliver has since been subjected to a torrent of abuse and threats. According to The Times, the 39-year-old’s home is under police protection due to concerns for the safety of the official, his wife and young daughter.
The PGMOL say they are appalled by the threats aimed at Oliver. Police are investigating a number of incidents. 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. We will continue to support all investigations.”
Oliver returned to action on Wednesday night, overseeing Barcelona’s 2-2 draw with Atalanta in the Champions League. He is scheduled to referee Ipswich’s crunch Premier League clash with Southampton on Saturday. Both teams are struggling at the bottom of the table.
