The chat between Michael Oliver and VAR soon before Myles Lewis-Skelly’s controversial red card against Wolves has now gone public. The Arsenal teenager was sent off in the first half of the club’s 1-0 win at Molineux in January for a foul on Matt Doherty.
The judgement was changed following a successful appeal by the Gunners, but it prompted concerns about the role of VAR Darren England. The latest edition of Officials Mic’d Up has revealed the interaction between Oliver, England, and the assistant VAR that led to Lewis-Skelly’s red card.
What Michael Oliver Said Before Sending Lewis-Skelly Off
There was a debate over which body part the Arsenal man had caught Doherty
Oliver stated the following at the time of the incident:
“I’m going to get a red card, friend. Red card for the ankle. “Red card for serious foul play.”
PGMOL chief Howard Webb explains his thoughts on Myles Lewis-Skelly's sending off against Wolves before the three-match ban was then overturned. pic.twitter.com/NJe30C1ilO
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 18, 2025
England said, “Just checking the red card for serious foul play.” Okay, it’s for major foul play, not DOGSO (denying a clear scoring opportunity). Okay, for me, the contact is on the top of the foot. The assistant VAR chipped in: “I believe he catches him on the side of the ankle first.” It reflects off the side of the ankle and onto the foot. So the first impact is greater on the Achilles tendon.”
England then stated, “So the first impact is on the Achilles, the shin.” The assistant VAR responded, “With no chance of playing the ball.” England then said, “So, it’s up above the ankle and then it comes back down. Okay, just get me the number.”
The assistant identified Lewis-Skelly as the offender, saying, “It’s number 49, Lewis-Skelly.” England ended his review by notifying Oliver: “Michael, confirming the on-field judgement to red card Myles Lewis-Skelly for serious foul play. Away, 49. “Check completed.”
PGMOL Chief Howard Webb Delivers Verdict
He believes the on-field call was understandable, but incorrect.
PMGOL chief Howard Webb believes England should have urged Oliver to study the incident, which he believes deserved a yellow card, on the monitor. During the most recent episode of Match Official’s Mic’d Up, he stated: “There are various factors that may warrant a red card.
“But there are plenty of others who believe it isn’t quite there, so on balance, we’d rather this had been a yellow card. The VAR did not wish to re-referee the issue; they were aware that the referee’s call stands unless it is clearly and unmistakably incorrect.”
He then on, “They felt it wasn’t at that level on the day and decided to leave it as a red card on the pitch.” This has been described as a poor officiating decision. It is not! I see why the referee deemed this to be major foul play on the day.
“We have to be cautious about slowing down and freezing things. We’ve discussed not doing it since it can warp reality. We have to gaze at it at full speed; it is glancing [studs] and comes off swiftly. But it’s a reasonable on-field choice.”
“Yes, we believe the VAR should have been involved, but I can understand why it did not happen in the moment. We listen to the game and provide feedback to the officials to ensure that we are meeting the game’s standards and judging these things appropriately.
