Arsenal has been fined £65,000 by the Football Association (FA) after their players showed anger toward the referee Michael Oliver during a Premier League match. The match was against Wolverhampton Wanderers last month. This incident happened after the controversial red card was shown to 18-year-old defender Myles Lewis-Skelly. Later on, the decision was overturned.
What Happened During the Match?
On January 25, 2025, Arsenal faced Wolves at Molineux Stadium in a tense Premier League clash. In the 43rd minute, Lewis-Skelly was sent off for a challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty. Referee Michael Oliver deemed the tackle “serious foul play,” a decision backed by VAR Darren England.
Arsenal players immediately protested, with up to nine players crowding Oliver in an intense two-minute confrontation. Despite the red card being rescinded days later, the FA ruled the club failed to control its players’ behavior.
Why Was Arsenal Fined £65K?
The FA’s independent regulatory commission highlighted several factors for the fine:
- Aggressive Protests: Players sprinted toward Oliver, surrounded him “intimidatingly,” and continued arguing even after a yellow card was shown to defender Jurrien Timber.
- Duration and Scale: The protest lasted over two minutes, involving nearly half the team. The FA called it a “serious matter” due to the players’ refusal to disperse.
- Past Offenses: Arsenal has faced six similar charges in five years, though their recent discipline improved.
The FA stressed that the overturned red card did not justify the reaction: “Clubs must ensure players accept referees’ decisions, even if they disagree”.
Arteta’s Fury and Fan Backlash
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta called the red card decision “obvious” and said, “I am absolutely fuming” after the match. Fans and pundits debated whether the tackle deserved a dismissal, with many calling it harsh.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) later revealed police were investigating online abuse directed at Oliver and his family following the incident.
Lewis-Skelly’s Red Card Overturned
Arsenal successfully appealed the three-match ban, arguing the tackle was not “serious foul play.” Lewis-Skelly, a rising star has since returned to action.
This season, Arsenal leads the Premier League with four red cards. Previous dismissals include Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, and William Saliba. The club admitted to the FA charge but claimed players were “civil and not aggressive”.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
The Gunners remain seven points behind league leaders Liverpool. They host West Ham this weekend, aiming to rebound from the controversy. Their hopes are alive to win the Premier League title. It would be a tough challenge for them to be the champions.
