Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has claimed that Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly should have been sent off during the Gunners' Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday. Despite Arsenal's dominant 7-1 victory, Hackett pointed to inconsistent officiating in the match, particularly regarding Lewis-Skelly's challenges.
The 18-year-old defender was booked in the 24th minute for a foul on PSV's Luuk de Jong. Just two minutes later, Lewis-Skelly made another late tackle, this time on Richard Ledezma, which Hackett argued was a clear second yellow card offense. However, the referee chose not to issue a second booking, allowing Lewis-Skelly to remain on the pitch.
Hackett praised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for his quick decision to substitute Lewis-Skelly in the 35th minute, replacing him with Riccardo Calafiori. “We witnessed a little bit of inconsistent officiating,” Hackett said, as reported by GOAL. “I thought the first yellow for Lewis-Skelly was a little weak, but then having got that yellow, he commits a very clear yellow card offense by bringing his opponent down and stopping a promising attack; for which he should have then walked. He didn’t.”
Lewis-Skelly has had a mixed season in terms of discipline, having already received two red cards. The first, issued in a match against Wolves, was later rescinded, while the second came in another fixture. Hackett’s comments highlight the young defender’s need to improve his decision-making and tackle timing to avoid further disciplinary issues.
Despite the controversy, Arsenal’s comprehensive victory over PSV showcased their attacking prowess and depth. However, Hackett’s critique of the officiating serves as a reminder of the importance of consistent refereeing in high-stakes matches, especially in competitions like the Champions League.
As Arsenal continues its European campaign, Arteta will likely work with Lewis-Skelly to address his disciplinary challenges while maintaining the team’s strong form on the pitch.