Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL) chief Howard Webb has acknowledged that the red card shown to Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly during their 1-0 win against Wolves was the wrong decision.

Despite the controversial call made by referee Michael Oliver, Webb defended the officials, stating that the decision was not a “horrendous” one.

VAR Decision and Arsenal’s Appeal

Lewis-Skelly was sent off in the first half for a challenge on Matt Doherty, a decision that Arsenal later successfully appealed. However, despite the red card being overturned, the Gunners were fined £65,000 for their on-field reaction.

In the latest episode of Match Officials’ Mic’d Up, it was revealed that VAR Darren England chose not to send Oliver to the monitor for a second look at the challenge.

Webb’s Explanation of the Controversial Call

Speaking on the decision, Webb explained the referee’s thought process:

"The referee saw Myles Lewis-Skelly moving toward an opponent without any ability or intention of playing the ball—his foot was raised, and he made high contact.

"The VAR checked the footage to determine if the call was clearly and obviously wrong, and felt it wasn’t—given that the contact was quite high on the leg.

"However, for serious foul play, we need excessive force or brutality, and in this case, the high contact was more of a glancing touch. That’s why, on review, the decision was overturned."

Should VAR Have Intervened?

The controversy raises questions about VAR’s role in ensuring fair officiating. If the video assistant referee had sent Oliver to the monitor, would the red card have stood in the first place?

With officiating decisions under constant scrutiny, Arsenal fans and football analysts alike will continue to debate whether VAR is being used effectively in the Premier League.