Former Premier League player and current pundit Alan Shearer criticizes the decision of VAR official Darren England to uphold the referee's straight red card for Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly, who caught a Wolves defender above the ankle. Despite the red card, Arsenal was able to come back and win the game, but manager Mikel Arteta was left fuming at the controversial call. Join the debate and share your thoughts on the incident.
Michael Oliver: Premier League Referee and VAR Controversy
Background:
Michael Oliver is an English professional football referee who has officiated Premier League matches since 2010. He has also taken charge of several international matches, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Oliver has gained recognition for his consistent performances and calm demeanor on the pitch.
Recent VAR Controversy:
In January 2023, Oliver was involved in a controversial VAR incident during a Premier League match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a straight red card by referee Peter Bankes for a challenge on Wolves defender Chiquinho. However, VAR official Darren England reviewed the incident and advised Bankes to uphold the decision.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was visibly upset with the call, while former Premier League player and pundit Alan Shearer criticized England's decision. Despite the red card, Arsenal managed to secure a 2-1 victory.
Key Points:
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What is VAR?
VAR (Video Assistant Referee) is a technology used in football to review controversial decisions.
2. Who is Michael Oliver?
Michael Oliver is an English referee who has officiated Premier League matches since 2010.
3. What happened in the Arsenal vs. Wolves VAR incident?
Myles Lewis-Skelly received a red card for a challenge on a Wolves defender. VAR official Darren England upheld the decision, which drew criticism from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and others.
4. Why was Arteta upset with the VAR decision?
Arteta believed that Lewis-Skelly's challenge did not warrant a red card and that the VAR decision was incorrect.
5. What is the future of VAR in football?
The use of VAR in football is still being evaluated and debated. While it has been credited with reducing refereeing errors, it has also raised concerns about potential biases and delays in decision-making.
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