The exchange between referee Michael Oliver and VAR before Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off against Wolves has now been made public.
During Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 victory at Molineux, Lewis-Skelly was controversially dismissed in the first half for a challenge on Matt Doherty. Although the red card was later rescinded upon appeal, Arsenal were still fined £65,000 for their players’ heated reaction to the decision.
Mikel Arteta voiced his frustration after the match, stating: _”I am absolutely fuming, but I’ll leave it to you. It’s so obvious that I don’t think my words will make a difference.”_
Oliver made the call without being advised to review the incident on the pitchside monitor by VAR official Darren England. Nearly a month later, PGMOL chief Howard Webb acknowledged that VAR should have intervened.
The official transcript of the conversation between Oliver, England, and the assistant VAR has now been revealed:
Michael Oliver (Referee): _”I’m going red card, mate. Red card for contact on the ankle. Serious foul play.”_
Darren England (VAR): _”Reviewing the red card for serious foul play. This isn’t DOGSO (Denying an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity), just checking the challenge. For me, the contact is on the top of the foot.”_
A snapshot of the incident shows Lewis-Skelly’s challenge on Doherty, which initially led to his dismissal.
Assistant VAR:_”I think he makes contact with the side of the ankle first, then it deflects onto the foot. The primary impact seems to be near the Achilles.”_
VAR:_”So, the first point of contact is the Achilles and the shin.”_
Assistant VAR:_”With no real attempt to play the ball.”_
VAR:_”Alright, so the challenge starts high above the ankle before coming down. Can you confirm the player’s number?”_
Assistant VAR:_”It’s number 49, Lewis-Skelly.”_
VAR:_”Michael, confirming your decision: red card for serious foul play by Myles Lewis-Skelly, Arsenal’s number 49. Check complete.”_
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