Gary Neville backs Michael Oliver and accuses Mikel Arteta of influencing Arsenal fans to claim refs are ‘corrupt’

Gary Neville has strongly defended referee Michael Oliver following the controversial red card incident involving Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and has accused Mikel Arteta of influencing his fans in an attempt to paint referees as “corrupt.

The incident in question occurred during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Wolves, where Oliver sent off Lewis-Skelly for a serious foul on Matt Doherty. The decision was initially upheld by VAR, but after Arsenal appealed, an independent commission reversed the decision and cleared Lewis-Skelly of the red card, meaning he would not have to serve a three-match suspension.

Arteta was vocal in his criticism of the decision, expressing his anger and disbelief, stating that it was “obvious” that it was not a red card. While some felt the decision was harsh but understandable, others felt that the tackle’s point of contact and the Arsenal defender’s apparent lack of intent to win the ball justified the dismissal. Arteta’s strong reactions to the decision, however, sparked a broader conversation, especially after reports emerged about abusive messages and death threats being sent to Oliver following the incident.

The PGMOL condemned the threats and abuse directed at the referee, highlighting how dangerous and unacceptable such behavior is within the sport. Arteta, while condemning the abuse in his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League trip to Girona, called for a more positive and respectful atmosphere in football. He emphasized the need to eliminate negativity, particularly with regard to mistreatment of referees and individuals involved in the game, and to focus on fostering a healthier, more supportive environment for the sport.

However, Neville, on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast, criticized Arteta’s role in stirring up controversy and fueling tension between Arsenal fans and referees. The Sky Sports pundit accused Arteta of influencing his supporters with his remarks, which, according to Neville, were designed to cast doubt on the integrity of referees and suggest corruption. He pointed out that following the controversy, Oliver had been removed from officiating the upcoming Arsenal vs. Manchester City match, an act Neville felt was entirely unjustified.

Neville argued that the notion of Oliver, a highly respected referee, being influenced by the weight of public opinion was misguided. He firmly believed that referees like Oliver should be trusted to perform their duties impartially, regardless of external pressure. According to Neville, the suggestion that Oliver might make biased decisions in the upcoming match between Arsenal and City, simply due to the fallout from the red card controversy, was unfounded and unfair to the referee.

In a broader sense, Neville’s comments highlight the growing tension in English football over the relationship between managers, fans, and referees. The debate surrounding the Lewis-Skelly red card incident underscores how quickly emotions can escalate in high-stakes matches, and how the behavior of club managers can sometimes have unintended consequences in terms of fan reactions. While Arteta’s condemnation of the abuse directed at Oliver was certainly aimed at promoting respect within the sport, Neville believes that his actions could have indirectly contributed to inflaming the situation further.

The role of referees in modern football continues to be a contentious issue. While their decisions can often be a catalyst for intense debate, as seen with the Lewis-Skelly red card, it is crucial for all parties involved – from the referees themselves to managers, players, and fans – to maintain a level of professionalism and respect for the game and its officials. The ultimate goal should be to enhance the quality of the sport and create a safer, more positive environment for everyone involved.

In conclusion, while Neville acknowledges the difficult nature of refereeing and the challenges that come with high-pressure decisions, he is critical of Arteta’s behavior in influencing the narrative around referees’ integrity. The ongoing debate, sparked by the Myles Lewis-Skelly red card, illustrates how vital it is for managers, players, and fans to strike a balance between passionate support for their team and respect for the rules of the game, particularly when it comes to officiating.