Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has used the recent Manchester United controversy as a basis to assess Arsenal’s appeal against Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card. The incident in question saw the young midfielder sent off during a recent match in Arsenal’s youth setup, a decision that has sparked considerable debate. Arteta and his team believe there is sufficient ground to appeal the red card, particularly given the precedent set by recent controversial decisions in other clubs’ games.
The Manchester United reference comes from an incident where the VAR and refereeing decisions drew widespread criticism for a lack of consistency. Arteta has reportedly pointed to this to highlight the need for fairness and uniformity in officiating decisions across all levels of football. By citing the United controversy, Arsenal aims to underscore the potential impact that contentious decisions can have on players, teams, and the integrity of the game.
Lewis-Skelly, a highly-rated talent in Arsenal’s academy, was shown a straight red card following what the referee deemed to be serious foul play. However, replays of the incident suggest that the decision may have been harsh, with many fans and pundits arguing it warranted, at most, a yellow card. Arteta, who has been a vocal advocate for player development and fair officiating, is keen to protect his young players from what he perceives as unjust treatment.
Arsenal’s decision to appeal the red card reflects their commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all their players, particularly their youth prospects. The club believes that overturning the decision would not only benefit Lewis-Skelly but also send a strong message about the importance of accurate and fair officiating in football.
Arteta’s reference to Manchester United serves as a strategic move to emphasize the broader implications of inconsistent refereeing. It highlights the need for improvement in decision-making processes, including the potential extension of VAR technology to youth and lower-tier competitions. While VAR has its critics, its absence in youth-level matches often leaves referees’ decisions subject to scrutiny.
As Arsenal proceed with their appeal, the football world will watch closely to see how the situation unfolds. A successful overturn could set a significant precedent, not only for Lewis-Skelly but for the future handling of contentious decisions in youth
football.