VAR AND REFEREE ERROR 》Cheap collapse’ – Premier League release statement as Myles Lewis-Skelly gives away controversial penalty

The Premier League has released an official statement addressing the controversial penalty incident involving Arsenal’s rising star, Myles Lewis-Skelly, during their intense 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park. The young midfielder, widely hailed for his composure and football intelligence, found himself at the center of a storm after being penalized for a foul on Jack Harrison early in the second half.

The contentious moment occurred barely a minute after the restart when Harrison surged into the Arsenal box, only to collide with Lewis-Skelly in a physical tussle that saw both players grappling for position. Referee Darren England wasted no time pointing to the spot, much to the disbelief of Arsenal players and fans alike.

Television replays revealed that both Harrison and Lewis-Skelly had a grip on each other’s shirts, creating a situation that, on another day, might have been waved off as mutual contact. However, referee England interpreted the Arsenal youngster’s challenge as excessive, prompting VAR to intervene.

Despite a thorough review, VAR opted not to overturn the original decision, with the Premier League Match Centre later confirming that the contact was “sufficient for a penalty and occurred inside the area.” This ruling sparked heated debate across fan forums and among pundits.

In commentary for talkSPORT, former England defender Stuart Pearce voiced his doubts over the call. “This could be interesting actually when they review this again,” he said. “How much contact is there? Lewis-Skelly looks to have been caught under the ball, leant backwards, and he’s claiming he was pushed too.”

Pearce was not alone in questioning the call. Social media erupted with reactions from Arsenal fans who labeled the decision “soft” and “game-changing.” Many argued that it set a dangerous precedent for future contact inside the box, especially in high-stakes fixtures.

Everton took full advantage of the decision, with Iliman Ndiaye calmly dispatching the spot-kick past Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to level the scoreline. The goal canceled out Leandro Trossard’s opener, which had come in the first half following a brilliant build-up play by the Gunners.

It was only the second penalty awarded to Everton this season, making the timing and manner of the call all the more significant for both sides. The decision seemed to shift the momentum of the match, with Arsenal momentarily rattled and struggling to regain control.

Lewis-Skelly’s difficult afternoon ended in the 75th minute when he was substituted for Kieran Tierney. The teenager looked visibly frustrated as he made his way off the pitch, likely still replaying the incident in his mind.

The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw, a result that does little to help Arsenal’s title hopes. Mikel Arteta’s side has now failed to beat Everton away from home in six of their last seven visits, with Goodison Park continuing to be a troubling ground for the North Londoners.

The implications of the result could be severe. Liverpool, currently leading the table, have a chance to extend their advantage to 14 points if they defeat Fulham on Sunday. That gap could effectively end Arsenal’s realistic hopes of lifting the title this season.

Adding further pressure, third-placed Nottingham Forest, who have quietly climbed the table, are just five points behind the Gunners with a game in hand. Arteta’s team could soon find themselves looking over their shoulders rather than up the table.

For Everton, the draw provided a temporary boost. It saw them leapfrog into 14th position, but their place is far from secure. With games against Tottenham and West Ham looming, their survival hopes will be tested thoroughly in the coming weeks.

The Premier League’s decision to stand by referee Darren England has reignited the ongoing debate surrounding VAR’s consistency and its impact on match outcomes. Many fans and analysts continue to call for reforms to ensure greater transparency and fairness in officiating.

Arsenal supporters, meanwhile, are left wondering how a promising afternoon turned sour due to a controversial moment. Lewis-Skelly, still in the early stages of his Premier League career, will no doubt learn from the experience, but it’s a painful lesson in a high-pressure environment.

Coach Mikel Arteta did not hold back in his post-match interview, suggesting that the referee’s interpretation lacked context. “There needs to be more understanding of the flow of the game and what constitutes a real foul,” he said.

While Lewis-Skelly faced criticism from some quarters, many fans rallied behind him on social media, defending the young midfielder and praising his overall performance prior to the penalty. Some even questioned why more experienced players weren’t stepping up during key moments.

As the dust settles, Arsenal will have to regroup quickly. With key fixtures ahead and the season entering its final stages, Arteta’s men cannot afford further setbacks—especially of the controversial kind.

For now, Myles Lewis-Skelly will have to shoulder the weight of this incident. But with the talent he possesses and the backing of his manager and teammates, he is more than capable of bouncing back stronger than ever.