PGMOL says the foul that resulted in Myles Lewis-Skelly's controversial red card during Arsenal's win over Wolves was high and extremely late.
Nevertheless, Arsenal are still expected to appeal the dismissal amid widespread criticism of Michael Oliver's decision.
Lewis-Skelly was sent off for a foul on Matt Doherty near the edge of the Wolves box.
The decision was “checked and confirmed” by Darren England, with VAR ruling that Lewis-Skelly had committed “serious foul play”.
“I can't believe Michael Oliver sent Lewis-Skelly there,” said Sky Sports' Tim Sherwood.
“It's so clear and I leave it to you,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports. 'I'm absolutely furious. But I'll leave it to you, it's so obvious that I don't think my words will help.'
PGMOL's position on the incident is that the challenge came extremely late, that the point of contact is high and that video evidence supports this conclusion.
In the second half of Arsenal's victory, Joao Gomes was only booked for a high and late tackle on Jurrien Timber.
Although Gomes was sent off, the fact he was dismissed for two bookings means he will only miss one match.
Lewis-Skelly, on the other hand, will currently miss Arsenal's home match against Manchester City, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports next Sunday, as well as the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle and the Premier League away trip to Leicester on Sunday. February 15.
Five problems with Lewis-Skelly's red card
Sam Blitz from Sky Sports:
One: you don't see red cards for that. “He's 70 yards from his own goal,” Sherwood said. That is the starting point.
PGMOL classifies serious foul play as “a tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or involves the use of excessive force or brutality”.
Cynical? Yes. But it is extremely difficult to argue that Lewis-Skelly's challenge endangered Doherty's safety, or that he used excessive force or cruelty.
More common sense was needed.
Two – the VAR gave it. The serious violation was checked and confirmed by England. See above for common sense to an official who had replays, slow-mos and time to fully assess it.
Three, Joao Gomes' challenge was arguably worse. How the Wolves midfielder was booked for an apparently higher, more aggressive and dangerous challenge and Lewis-Skelly was given his marching orders is simply baffling. The consistency lasted less than half a game.
Four – Michael Oliver apparently doesn't like to “negatively impact games by overreacting.” That's what PGMOL chief Howard Webb said last season when Mateo Kovacic avoided a red card for Man City at Arsenal. Should he send Lewis-Skelly there?
Five – More bizarre dismissals for Arsenal – Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard were both sent off for kicking the ball – but have we seen any more since? Joao Pedro's penalty in Brighton despite William Saliba seemingly getting the ball. Arsenal are being given bizarre decisions this season and it seems like they are weighing heavily on them. So it's no wonder that their fans are becoming increasingly frustrated.
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