Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has shared his thoughts on Michael Oliver’s controversial decision to send off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly during the clash against Wolves at Molineux on Saturday.
The 18-year-old Arsenal defender received a surprising straight red card in the first half for a trip on Wolves’ Matt Doherty near the edge of the penalty area.
Initially appearing to be a routine yellow-card offense, the foul was classified as “serious foul play,” leading to Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal.
Mike Dean’s Initial Reaction
Speaking on Sky Sports, Dean initially disagreed with Oliver’s decision, arguing that the challenge didn’t warrant a red card.
“What he’s done, he hasn’t kicked him; he’s gone to trip him and caught the bottom of his boot. I don’t think it’s a straight red card, in my opinion,” Dean remarked.
A Change in Perspective
After reviewing additional footage, Dean revised his opinion. He acknowledged that Oliver had grounds to issue the red card after seeing a clearer image of the incident.
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“I’ve got a still image here, and when you see it, you might understand what the referee’s done. It looks like he’s gone to kick him, but he’s actually put his studs down the inside of Doherty’s leg. That’s why he’s sent him off for serious foul play.
“For me, I can see why Michael’s sent him off with the view he’s got. It’s not a kick; he’s scraping down the inside of Doherty’s Achilles onto his foot. So, now I’ve seen the other image, I can understand why he’s been sent off.”
Tim Sherwood’s Disagreement
However, former Tottenham and Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood strongly criticized Oliver’s decision, calling it overly harsh.
“Doherty breaks, and he just trips him—he’s 70 yards from goal,” Sherwood argued. “I cannot believe it. This is not a red card.
“It’s cynical, he trips him. He’s too far away from the goal [to be the last man]. It’s not dangerous play. You only send him off if it’s dangerous.”
Divided Opinions Continue
The incident has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with opinions divided on whether Oliver’s call was justified.
While Dean ultimately supported the decision, Sherwood’s criticism highlights the ongoing challenges of interpreting “serious foul play” in football.
This controversial moment adds another chapter to the growing discussions around officiating consistency in the Premier League.