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      Myles Lewis-Skelly ban OVERTURNED as FA release statement on Arsenal star’s red card

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY’s controversial red card was ‘wrongful’ and his automatic ban has been overturned, the FA have announced.The Arsenal teenager was sent off in the 43rd minute of his side’s weekend clash with Wolves for a challenge on Matt Doherty.Myles Lewis-Skelly’s ban has been overturnedCredit: AFPLewis-Skelly tripped the defender as Wolves began to break away on the counter attack following a Gunners corner.He was immediately dismissed by referee Michael Oliver – much to the anger of Mikel Arteta and his fuming players.Arsenal launched an appeal and the FA have now confirmed Lewis-Skelly’s suspension has been lifted. It read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.READ MORE IN football “The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, January 25, 2025.” The Professional Game Match Officials Limited took the same approach they gave to Bruno Fernandes – who was “wrongfully” sent off against Tottenham in September.Arsenal legend Ian Wright berated the state of Premier League officiating after the controversial red card incident.He said: “It’s a joke. Anyone who has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, 5-a-side, Sunday League, they know it’s never a red.Most read in FootballMark Halsey’s view By Mark HalseyMichael Oliver should not be given any Arsenal games by his refereeing bosses.The PGMOL will keep him away from Arsenal for a while, which is the right thing to do.When there is friction between a ref and a club that is the right thing to do, why create a problem for yourself.Taking him away from Arsenal is not derogatory towards Michael and his ability. It is common sense.You cannot question the integrity of a referee. The referee goes out and referees what is in front of him.There are millions of people watching him, he has an evaluation on his game too. You don’t prejudge anything.”Yellow card and nobody says a word. Time and time again this level of refereeing the decisions in the Premier League, the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies. All of them are the centre of attention for me.”We can’t criticise too hard because otherwise where are the referees going to come from. Where are we going to get them?Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants FA to overturn controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red card “But I’m sorry. This is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees.”When will the Premier League bring the best referees into the so called best league in the world. At the moment with this level of refereeing we’re nowhere near it.”Alan Shearer branded it “one of the worst decisions that I’ve seen in a long time.”Ref Oliver was subject to sick abuse including death threats following the contentious red card – leading to a police probe. Police have even been guarding the official’s family home since the incident.And the PGMOL released a statement on Sunday condemning the abuse directed at Oliver after the match.It read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.”We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We will continue to support all investigations.”Lewis-Skelly, 18, is now available for Arsenal’s next match against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday.Lewis-Skelly poses during Arsenal trainingCredit: Reuters More

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      I’ve had my tyres slashed and death threats delivered to my home address, reveals owner of UK’s biggest crisis club

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      A NON-LEAGUE football club owner says he has been “physically attacked” and received “hand-delivered death threats” from thug fans.Farsley Celtic, who recently appointed ex-Premier League ace Neil Redfearn as boss, are in dire straits both on and off the pitch.Farsley Celtic have been forced to play their home matches 70 miles away due to delays in resurfacing the pitchCredit: Glen MinikinOwner Paul Barthorpe has claimed work on installing a new 4G pitch is close to completionCredit: Glen MinikinFarlsey Celtic fans have boycotted the club’s ‘home’ games due to the issuesCredit: Glen MinikinThe West Yorkshire outfit, who proudly boast they are the highest ranked village club in England, slipped into the National League North relegation zone after the weekend’s stalemate with Warrington Town.But they have not played a “home” game all season due to huge delays installing artificial surface at their Throstle Nest ground and have been forced to play 70 miles away at Buxton instead.Fans, who have boycotted matches, have accused owner Paul Barthorpe of trying to “ruin” the club and believe he is more interested in trying to sell their home stadium to housing developers.However, he has insisted he has no plans to do that as he offered hope that the stadium work would finally get completed by the end of March.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe chief also revealed that a strict covenant exists on the land and that the stadium will not “at any point” be sold to housing developers.In a lengthy statement, Barthorpe also opened up about the physical abuse he had received as well as claiming that irate fans had damaged his property.He said: “People saying I don’t care, I’m destroying the club, I’m not investing in the club, I have ulterior motives which clearly could not be further from the truth! “This has been my life for almost six years and anyone who owns a business and commits everything to it knows the unconditional love you have for it! Most read in FootballFarsley Celtic are currently playing their ‘home’ games at the Tarmac Silverlands stadium at BuxtonCredit: Instagram @farsleyceltic_fc”If my motivation was to run it into the ground I wouldn’t have kept investing to the levels I have on a weekly basis.”Barthorpe then added: “There have been accusations of a lack of information being shared and a lack of clarity.EFL star, 24, ‘REFUSES to show up for game’ over transfer speculation weeks after shocking Premier League side”The truth is I have had a number of death threats hand delivered to my home address, I have been physically attacked, I’ve had my car damaged three times, my car tyres slashed, items thrown at my house.”And a number of other incidents that have happened directly after club posts or directly after other posts that are damaging and critical and as usual shared across multiple social media sites.“All of this is currently under investigation and we have been therefore advised to keep our posts to a minimum, so as not to escalate these incidents.“We are also conscious of sharing any issues or problems we may be encountering, as these get weaponised and used against us repeatedly on social media.”Barthorpe then ended his statement by calling for all fans to unite and help them to battle relegation – but his statement was met with a fierce backlash.A statement from the Farsley Celtic Supporters Club said: “We note the chairman’s latest statement over delays in laying a 4G pitch at the Citadel.“To be clear: FCSC condemns in the strongest possible terms any threatening behaviour towards the chairman or any other representative of Farsley Celtic.“Such actions, if they have occurred, have no place at a family club like Farsley.“We look forward to seeing the results of the police investigation into the alleged incidents.“We welcome the latest announcement of a start date for the new pitch and we hope the latest date is more accurate than previous announcements.“We also note that once again the chairman has chosen to use the club’s media to issue self-indulgent PR spin.“It is disappointing the chairman again seems intent on blaming everyone else, fans (again), contractors, the council, among others – for the club’s current crisis, rather than taking responsibility as chairman. Ultimately the buck stops with him.“FCSC’s current boycott of ‘home’ games played at Buxton will continue.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We reiterate our previous calls for Mr Barthorpe to sell the club to a more responsible owner at the earliest opportunity.“We’d like to take the opportunity to welcome new manager Neil Redfearn to the club and we wish him well in such difficult circumstances.”Fans will be hoping Farsley Celtic’s stadium will be back to its best and full of supporters in no timeCredit: Instagram @farsleyceltic_fcFormer Premier League ace Neil Redfearn was announced as the new boss at the club earlier this monthCredit: Instagram @farsleyceltic_fc More

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      How TNT Sports will cover never-before-seen Champions League night as 18 GAMES take place at same time but not all on TV

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      WEDNESDAY night promises to be a bonkers blockbuster evening of Champions League action.For the first time ever, there will be 18 MATCHES played simultaneously.The Champions League league phase ends on Wednesday night with all 36 teams playing simultaneouslyCredit: ReutersJules Breach is going to be in a studio with Martin Keown and Owen Hargreaves for Girona vs ArsenalCredit: GettyIt promises to be another memorable night at Villa ParkCredit: GettyGoals Show Xtra will keep tabs on the 18 matches which get underway at 8pmCredit: TNT SPORTSThe new league phase concludes with all 36 teams in action at the same time, with the bumper fixture list kicking off at 8pm (UK time) right across Europe.So how are TNT Sports going to keep fans watching at home up to date with all of the action?Well, fear not, SunSport has got the full rundown.First things first, the good news is fans can watch dedicated coverage of any of the 18 Champions League matches on Discovery+.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd TNT Sports bosses have picked nine of the ties to be shown on TV. The Battle of Britain between Aston Villa and Celtic takes the TNT Sports 1 slot with Manchester City’s must-win home clash against Club Brugge on TNT Sports 2.It’s PSV vs Liverpool on TNT Sports 3 while Girona vs Arsenal is available on TNT Sports 4.Brest vs Real Madrid, Bayern Munich vs Slovan Bratislava, Stuttgart vs PSG, Inter vs Monaco and Barcelona vs Atalanta are on TNT Sports 6 to TNT Sports 10 respectively.Most read in Champions LeagueBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThose channels are on the red button.TNT Sports 5 is also accessed via the red button and that is where the crazy Goals Show Xtra will be shown.Ally McCoist meets Sir Alex Ferguson in new TNT Sports show Ally’s Social Club Matt Smith hosts that programme and will be joined by Ally McCoist, Karen Carney and James Horncastle in the studio. In what is essentially a live watch-along, Smith and the team of pundits will react to all the goals as they go in around the grounds at the 18 different stadiums.Plus Smith must try and keep tabs on what it all means for the as-it-stands table which will no doubt see plenty of twists and turns before the full-time whistles are blown. At the end of the four live TV matches involving the British clubs, those channels will switch to the Goals Show Xtra to round off the action. The nine matches only available on Discovery+ are Bayer Leverkusen vs Sparta Prague, Borussia Dortmund vs Shakhtar Donetsk, Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan, Juventus vs Benfica, Lille vs Feyenoord, Red Bull Salzburg vs Atletico Madrid, Sporting vs Bologna, Sturm Graz vs RB Leipzig and Young Boys vs Red Star Belgrade.And there is still plenty to play for on matchday eight of the new-look format. Liverpool will secure top spot overall simply by matching Barcelona’s result.Six teams go into the final game on 13 points with Aston Villa in ninth – one place below the cut-off for automatic progression to the last 16, with that spot currently occupied by Bayer Leverkusen. City are way down in 25th but know a win will see them scrape into the play-off stage because PSG and Stuttgart play each other. READ MORE SUN STORIESWednesday’s results will also determine who finishes in ninth to 24th and heads into that play-off round – with big hitters Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Juventus and PSG all currently in those spots. And at the very bottom, Slovan Bratislava and Young Boys will be battling it out to avoid the wooden spoon with both sides on zero points from their seven matches so far. TNT Sports have four live matches on TV, another five on the red button and all the games on Discovery+Credit: GettyMatt Smith will be in the hot seat for Goals Show XtraCredit: TNT SportsAlly McCoist will provide live reactions as all the goals go inCredit: GettyPep Guardiola knows his side need to beat Club Brugge to progressCredit: AlamyArsenal can still overtake Barcelona to nap second spot behind LiverpoolCredit: AFP More

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      Bet £10+ on the Champions League and Get £5 free bet builder for EVERY Premier League game this weekend

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      BETFRED have a spectacular offer to mark the end of the league phase of this season’s Champions League on Wednesday.They are offering brand new customers a superb ‘bet and get’ offer, where new punters will get a £5 free bet builder for EVERY Premier League game this weekend when signing up and staking £10+ on the midweek Champions League action!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBet £10+ on the Champions League & Get £45 free bets for the Premier League – CLAIM HERE*Betfred’s terrific Bet&Get offer this weekNew Betfred offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account before 9.45pm on 29/01/25 using the Promo Code: PREM45Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any Champions League market on January 29th, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £45 in Free Bets – £5 for each Premier League game this weekend!Betfred: Get your £45 in PL free bet builders – Claim here*Bet £10+ on the Champions League & Get £45 free bets for the Premier LeaguePremier League free bets offerWhat is the Betfred offer?Betfred have a fabulous offer to celebrate the exciting finale to the league phase of the Champions League.They are offering new customers a chance to claim £45 in free bet builder bets – £5 for all nine games this Saturday and Sunday – when signing up and staking £10 on any of the Champions League action this Wednesday!How do I claim the free bets?New to Betfred? Then you’re eligible to claim this offer and it couldn’t be simpler.Head over to Betfred’s website HERE* and register a brand new account before 9.45pm on 29/01/2-25 using promo code: PREM45.Then just deposit and stake £10 on any Champions League market from this week’s games (January 29th) at odds of Evens or greater.Then what happens?When that bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with £45 in free bets to use on the weekend’s Premier League games.That’s a £5 free bet for EVERY game played across Saturday and Sunday!The qualifying league fixtures are listed below.£5 free bet builder fixturesNottingham Forest v Brighton (12:30 on 01/02/25)Bournemouth v Liverpool (15:00 on 01/02/25)Everton v Leicester (15:00 on 01/02/25)Ipswich v Southampton (15:00 on 01/02/25)Newcastle v Fulham (15:00 on 01/02/25)Wolves v Aston Villa (17:30 on 01/02/25)Brentford v Tottenham Hotspur (14:00 on 02/02/25)Manchester United v Crystal Palace (14:00 on 02/02/25)Arsenal v Man City (16:30 on 02/02/25)Betfred: Get your £45 in PL free bet builders – Claim here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New customers only. Register by 21.45 on 29/01/25 with PREM45, deposit via Debit Card and bet £10+ (Evs+) on any CL game on 29/01/25. 9 x £5 Free Bets on Bet Builders for EPL games on 01/02/25-02/02/25. Credited on settlement. Eligibility & T&Cs Apply. More

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      Manchester United ace Ella Toone pays tribute to late father and reflects on grieving his passing

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      ELLA TOONE has opened up on her grief following the death of her father Nick who passed away in September last year. The Manchester United midfielder, 25, paid an emotional tribute to her dad in a candid piece written for the Players Tribune. On the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast Ella Toone revealed she returned to training the day after her father Nick passed awayCredit: ReutersThe Man Utd midfielder hopes that by opening up on her grief, she can help others going through a similar experienceCredit: PAToone has been in clinical form for the Red Devils netting four goals in their last two WSL gamesCredit: AlamyNick Toone had been a huge influence on the Women’s Super League ace on and off the pitch. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer the day after watching the Lioness star score in the 2022 Euros final with England defeating Germany 2-1 at Wembley And Toone wrote of her Dad informing her in May last year that the cancer had returned.This was soon after the midfielder helped Man United make history scoring her team’s 4-0 triumph over Tottenham in their first Women’s FA Cup final appearance. Read More Football Stories Last September her father passed away three days before his 60th birthday.Toone wrote: “We win the FA Cup, last May. Dad texted after the game. “When I went to the house, everyone sat down in the living room, and Dad said, ‘I’m doing some tests. And I’m not well.'”I just remember thinking: ‘Tests? What tests? What?Most read in Football”It’s come back. I’ve got cancer.” “I said, ‘What do you mean it’s come back?’ “And he said the day after we won the Euros, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. “He’d fought it for a whole year without telling us, and it had gone. And then it came back.”But he didn’t let on how bad it was. I tried to ask questions, but he’d just palm it off.”In a way, I totally get it because I’m exactly like that. “I’ll sit in a room, and someone will be talking to me, and I’ll just shut down. “And when it came to talking about the diagnosis, that was Dad.”He didn’t want anything to be different. He didn’t want people to mither about him, none of that. “So he went about it the way he wanted, and that was that. “I feel like he kissed me and hugged me more. He became a bit softer, which was sweet. “But other than that, he was just the same really.”Toone, who like her father, is a lifelong Man United started her football journey at Astley and Tyldesley Girls’ team at age five.Two years later she joined Manchester United’s Centre of Excellence at seven. Following senior club career stints at Blackburn Rovers and Man City from 2015 to 2018, the midfielder returned to the Red Devils.On the international stage Toone helped England win the Euros for the first time in 2022 and started for the Lionesses in the 2023 World Cup final which they narrowly lost 1-0 to Spain.The midfielder, who hopes to help England retain their Euros crown this summer, has fond memories of her father taking her to watch their local team Hindsford FC during her childhood. In July 2022, Toone told England.com: “I just used to play all day with the lads. “I have loads of cousins and me and my brother would play with them all day on the sidelines while the club were playing. “Those were my first footballing memories when I was really young.”Toone, who has been in fine form for second–placed Man United this month, described her father as the person who always kept her “grounded”. She admits writing about the feelings that followed his passing was also about helping “anyone grieving and feeling alone”. The 53-capped England midfielder wrote: “When he passed, it was a big shock, even to some of the people closest to him, because no one hardly knew he was ill. “I’m still processing. This is my first try at really talking about it. Like Dad said, The Toones are not great at feelings. “But I wanted to write this, for anyone grieving and feeling alone.“Friends who also have experienced the uniquely awful feeling of losing a parent have helped me massively in the worst part of my life. “Now, when people ask, “Who do you look up to?” I say it’s people like Beth Mead and Rach Daly, who’ve continued to play football and be an inspiration after losing someone they love.”They’ve helped me, massively. I hope that in the future I can do the same for people in my life who might be going through the same thing. Toone and her Man United team-mates are currently second in the WSL and seven points behind leaders ChelseaCredit: Alamy“Grief takes a different shape for everyone. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But maybe if someone sees me sharing a small piece of my own grief, it might make it a tiny bit easier for them to know that I know what they’re going through is brutal. “It’s messy. And that’s alright. Trust me, it’s alright.” More

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      Cody Gakpo continues to provide smart solutions to Dream Team problems

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      DREAM TEAM managers who opted to recruit Cody Gakpo (£4.7m) ahead of Gameweek 21 have already been handsomely rewarded.The Liverpool scored two goals and assisted another in 68 minutes against Ipswich on Saturday for a 21-point haul, his best single-game return of the season.Gakpo capitalised against Ipswich on SaturdayCredit: Dream TeamGakpo got the ball rolling with a deep cross to the back cross that was converted by Mohamed Salah (£8m).Nine minutes later, he popped up in the right place at the right time to tap home a rebound from close range to give the Reds a 3-0 lead at half time.Midway through the second half, the Dutchman latched onto a trademark Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6m) cross to head home his second for a pleasing brace.Only Bournemouth’s hat-trick hero Dango Ouattara (£3.4m) banked more points than Gakpo among all Dream Team assets over the weekend.There’s every chance the Liverpool forward will finish as Gameweek 21’s top performer if he gets substantial minutes against former club PSV on Wednesday night.206 Dream Team points and countingCredit: GettyAt the risk of blowing our own trumpet, Gakpo headlined our transfer recommendations article last Thursday and gaffers who acted on that recommendation will have been immensely satisfied with Saturday’s outcome – any returns in Eindhoven will be a nice bonus.Gakpo isn’t just a short-term punt either, he appears to be a smart selection for Gameweeks 22 and 23 as well.Arne Slot’s side are due to face Bournemouth and Tottenham next Gameweek and are currently one of just two teams set for a double header in Gameweek 23 in the form of Plymouth and Everton – although the schedule may change depending on this week’s European results.Most read in FootballThe point being, Gakpo has more point-scoring opportunities than most over the next three weeks or so.Liverpool have four fixtures to fulfil across the next two GameweeksCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old has completed 90 minutes six times from 32 appearances this season so his owners will have to make their peace with regular substitutions.But the numbers are looking good in the metrics that really matter.Gakpo is one of just four forwards on 200+ points this stage, alongside Salah, Erling Haaland (£7.9m) and Alexander Isak (£6.1m).He ranks third for big chances created, sixth for shots on target, fifth for bonus points, and seventh for tackles among players in his position.At the top line, he’s scored 14 goals and provided five assists.The Salah-Gakpo double up is a viable strategyCredit: GettyA few weeks back we asked whether Gakpo had surpassed Luis Diaz (£3.7m) to become Liverpool’s next-best attacking option in the world of Dream Team, with Salah being the clear number one.Given he’s outscored his Colombian team-mate by 25 points since the start of Gameweek 18, the answer to that question has to be a resounding YES!Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More

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      Wrexham stadium expansion update as architects ‘plan to create a real cauldron’ for new 5,500 capacity stand

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      ARCHITECTS behind Wrexham’s stadium expansion are planning to “create a real cauldron” as work continues on a new 5,500-capacity stand.Welsh side Wrexham have gone from strength to strength under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.The architects behind Wrexham’s stadium expansion have given a new updateCredit: OLBGWork is currently underway on the new 5,500-seater Kop standCredit: OLBGPlans are also afoot to eventually expand the Racecourse Ground to 55,000 seatsCredit: OLBGWrexham are hoping to achieve promotion to the Championship this seasonCredit: OLBGAfter starting off in the National League, they now sit third in League One and are dreaming of another successive promotion – this time to the Championship.But as Wrexham climb the rankings, they are also looking to grow their stadium at the same time.The Racecourse Ground is the world’s oldest international stadium after hosting Wales’ first-ever game in 1877.And it currently holds 12,000 fans as the club builds a new 5,500 stand for their Kop end.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnce completed, it will replace a temporary stand holding 2,000 supporters and will take the Racecourse Ground’s capacity to 15,000.Plans are already afoot though to grow the arena into a 55,000 seater behemoth, dwarfing current Premier League stadiums including Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.Now, the architects behind Wembley Stadium, Tottenham’s £1billion home and the Las Vegas Sphere have lifted the lid on what the atmosphere will be like once the new Kop stand is in place.Populous’ global director Declan Sharkey revealed it will “create a real cauldron” at the Racecourse Ground, enabling Wrexham fans to truly show off their support.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut the creation of the stand will also allow the club to easily continue adding and building more room as they continue to make strides.Sharkey told The Athletic: “I genuinely believe this design would only work in Wrexham.Wrexham stars including ex-Premier League ace party with Hollywood hunk Channing Tatum after Cambridge drawWrexham’s stadium currently holds 12,000 with a temporary standCredit: GettyRyan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have worked wonders in WalesCredit: Getty“When looking at the Kop stand, the plan was to create a real cauldron. We explored acoustic design, our in-house team going into a lot of detail to ensure that the noise will be like no other.“As a League One stadium, which it is at the moment, the atmosphere is incredible. But what the new stand will do is lift that up a couple of notches again.“The focus right now is on the Kop stand. But a big part of our design process was considering the rest of the stadium. How it could be expanded or modified in the future.“All constraints will truly give the Kop stand a unique identity along with the rest of the stadium as we develop it.” More

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      Michael Oliver’s family home being guarded by police after referee received death threats following Lewis-Skelly red

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      MICHAEL OLIVER’S family home is being guarded by police, according to reports.The Premier League referee has been subjected to disgusting abuse and even received death threats in the wake of the red card he showed to Myles Lewis-Skelly.Michael Oliver has police protection after receiving death threatsCredit: GettyThe referee sent Myles Lewis-Skelly off for this challenge on Matt DohertyCredit: AlamyOliver, 39, dismissed the Arsenal youngster for his cynical trip on Matt Doherty in the first half of the Gunners’ 1-0 win away at Wolves on Saturday.He deemed the challenge as “serious foul play” – prompting a straight red and a three-match ban. The decision left Mikel Arteta “fuming” while the likes of Ian Wright, Pat Nevin, Keith Hackett and SunSport’s Mark Halsey shared their dismay. Many supporters also vented their anger at the decision.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut some of the reactions from fans were unacceptable as personal messages of hate and even sickening threats to kill Oliver and his two-year-old daughter. It is alleged one person vowed to smash the windows of their house – three weeks after an apparent threat to bomb Oliver’s car, the Daily Mail reports.And now The Times state the referee is under ongoing police protection.A police car was parked in the street of the family home on Sunday morning to check on their safety.Most read in FootballPolice patrols continue to operate around the family home while the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) are investigating the threats. The UKFPU is working with social media companies to track down the senders of the online messages. Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey slams decision not to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s win over WolvesA spokesperson said on Monday: “Officers from the UKFPU have launched an investigation after a number of abusive messages were directed toward a referee following a Premier League match.“On Sunday January 26 police were contacted by the UK Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in relation to social media messages directed towards referee Michael Oliver.“Enquiries are in the early stages and officers are working closely with social media providers, including Facebook and X, to identify those responsible for the messages.”The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) released their own statement on Sunday condemning the atrocious abuse.It said: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.”We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.”We will continue to support all investigations.”Arsenal were hoping the PGMOL would overturn the decision – as they did when Bruno Fernandes was “wrongfully” sent off against Tottenham in September.But on Tuesday the North Londoners officially lodged an appeal against the red card. As for Oliver, he will return to refereeing on Wednesday when he takes charge of Barcelona vs Atalanta in the Champions League.The official then was handed a huge relegation six-pointer on Saturday as Ipswich host Southampton – but will not be involved at the Emirates on Sunday when Arsenal host Manchester City.READ MORE SUN STORIESOliver, though, did get given the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park with Liverpool making the short trip to face Everton on February 12 in a game rearranged from December due to the storms.The decision to show the red card stunned manyCredit: GettyArsenal players, staff and fans were furiousCredit: GettyThe Gunners have officially launched an appealCredit: Getty More