🚨 BREAKING NEWS: 🚨 PGMOL has officially reversed Lewis Skelly’s red card after identifying an error in the VAR review. The decision was made this morning by PGMOL chief Howard Webb following the release of new video footage. Many believe this situation was completely unnecessary, and Arsenal should never have been put in this position. Meanwhile, the FA has intervened after discovering three major VAR mistakes during the match.

Arsenal is preparing to take on Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night as they look to recover from their recent setback in the Premier League. However, much of the attention leading up to the match has been on the officiating decision, particularly the appointment of Andy Madley as the referee. His recent involvement in a controversial VAR decision has raised concerns among fans and pundits alike.

 

Over the weekend, Madley found himself at the center of a heated debate during Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park. In the final moments of stoppage time, he awarded Everton a penalty after determining that Harry Maguire had fouled Ashley Young inside the box. However, VAR official Matt Donohue intervened and urged Madley to reassess the call by reviewing the footage on the pitchside monitor.

 

After an extensive review of multiple camera angles, Madley ultimately decided to overturn his initial decision. Instead of a penalty for Everton, he awarded a drop ball to Manchester United. The call sparked controversy, as many believed that while Maguire’s challenge may have been legal, Matthijs de Ligt had committed a foul that should have been penalized.

 

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher later weighed in on the debate during Ref Watch. He suggested that had Madley been shown a specific angle from behind the goal, he might have maintained his original decision to award the penalty. This analysis only added to the ongoing discussion about the consistency of VAR interventions.

 

Despite the contentious decision, both Madley and Donohue have retained their officiating assignments for the upcoming Premier League fixtures. While Madley will oversee Arsenal’s visit to the City Ground, Donohue has been appointed as the lead VAR official for two other matches—Brighton’s game against Bournemouth and Liverpool’s clash with Newcastle.

 

Meanwhile, Arsenal is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to West Ham United on Saturday. The loss further dented their Premier League title aspirations, making their upcoming match against Nottingham Forest even more crucial. With Liverpool securing a vital win over Manchester City, Arsenal now trails the league leaders by 11 points, intensifying the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s squad.

 

Adding to Arsenal’s frustrations, the PGMOL recently overturned Lewis Skelly’s red card following a review of new video footage. The decision was made by PGMOL chief Howard Webb, who acknowledged an error in the initial VAR review. Arsenal fans and pundits have expressed outrage, arguing that the team should not have been subjected to such an incorrect ruling in the first place.

 

As Arsenal prepares for their midweek clash, all eyes will be on Madley’s officiating. Given his recent controversy, his performance will be under intense scrutiny. With Arsenal in desperate need of a win to stay in the title race, they will be hoping that the referee’s decisions do not play a decisive role in the outcome of the match.