Arsenal have reportedly lodged a formal appeal over Myles Lewis-Skelly's controversial red card in their 1-0 Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
The 18-year-old left-back was sent off in the dying embers of the first half for a challenge on Matt Doherty, who was attempting to lead a counter-attack following an Arsenal corner.
At a first glance, Lewis-Skelly's tackle appeared to be a cut-and-dry yellow card for a cynical foul, but Arsenal fans and players were astonished when Michael Oliver pulled out the red card.
Slow-motion replays and still images showed Lewis-Skelly's studs clearly connecting with Doherty's leg, and VAR official Darren England agreed with Oliver's view that the teenager's tackle amounted to serious foul play.
However, the decision was slammed from all corners, with Mikel Arteta saying he was "absolutely fuming" after the game, while pundits such as Micah Richards and Alan Shearer have also hit out at Oliver's controversial call.
According to The Mirror, Arsenal have now formally appealed the defender's dismissal, one that triggered a wave of abuse and alleged death threats towards Oliver, which are now being investigated by the police.
What will happen with Lewis-Skelly red card appeal?
© Imago
Arsenal's appeal will now be heard by a three-man panel, which can include former players and is entirely independent of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
The Regulatory Commission will now consider whether the Gunners have submitted strong enough written and video evidence to suggest that Lewis-Skelly's red card was an "obvious error" made by Oliver.
It is believed that Arsenal will use the Bruno Fernandes example from earlier this season to strengthen their argument, as the Manchester United captain was sent off in their home loss to Tottenham Hotspur before the Red Devils succeeded with an appeal.
However, if Arsenal fail with their bid to get Lewis-Skelly's red card overturned, the Hale End graduate will serve a three-match domestic suspension for serious foul play, starting with this weekend's crunch Premier League clash with Manchester City.
The defender would also miss the second leg of Arsenal's EFL Cup semi-final with Newcastle United on February 5 - where Arteta's men will try to overturn a 2-0 deficit - before completing his ban away to Leicester City in the top flight on February 15.
Lewis-Skelly is available for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Girona, though, and Arteta also received a triple boost in Tuesday's training session ahead of the trip to Spain.
Following Saturday's incident, Oliver has been chosen to referee Ipswich Town's clash with Southampton this weekend, while Peter Bankes will take charge of Arsenal's match against Man City.
Ben Knapton
