Mikel Arteta calls for Arsenal fans to eradicate 'hatred' after vile abuse aimed at referee Michael Oliver following hugely controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red card against Wolves

The backlash against Oliver began after he sent off Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly for a challenge on Matt Doherty during the Gunners' clash with Wolves last Saturday. Despite VAR official Darren England upholding the decision, Arsenal swiftly lodged an appeal to revoke the player's three-match ban. The Football Association reviewed the case and overturned the red card on Tuesday, concluding that it was a wrongful dismissal.

The situation further escalated which forced the police to launch an investigation into the threats directed at Oliver, leading to law enforcement placing his home under guard.

Reacting to the developments, Arteta called for greater efforts to eliminate such behaviour and told reporters: "Every time I talk about this topic [my view] is the same, regardless of whether it is a player or a coach or a referee. We have to really work harder to try to eradicate that part of the game that brings nothing but bad stuff, bad taste and it makes people’s lives more difficult.”

When asked if his message was directed at Arsenal supporters specifically, Arteta clarified that his appeal was meant for all involved with the sport.

“For everyone in football. It should not be ­permitted. We don’t want it, we don’t need it, it can only damage our sport, so let’s get it out," he said.

“We’re always putting a lot of emphasis on evolving, on where football is going in the next five, 10 years, on the rules, and all that sort of thing. But one of the most important things we can do to evolve is create an environment that’s much better at a social level, one that’s healthier, that’s nicer, in which we reward things that are not only winning, that when people make mistakes they have the chance to make amends.

"We shouldn’t be here with this hatred, these things we see, because they affect everyone and in the end, they take away the joy of this sport, the reason for it – which is to enjoy ourselves, have good moments. We are all talking about it, but no one seems to be moving strongly enough and bringing people with them to get that out of the game, because it’s just unacceptable.”

Despite the dramatic days following his red card, Lewis-Skelly remained unfazed as the young midfielder was found sleeping when the news came through about the decision being overturned.

“He was sleeping on the plane when I looked back and I got the news,” Arteta said. “I haven’t spoken to him. I was ­working and he was at the back, so I didn’t [wake him up]. We are ­obviously very happy that the decision has been made and that Myles is going to be able to play for us again in the next few games.

“I am not an expert in the field. The club has put all the evidence and everything that they could put together to defend our position, and it was pretty fast. [It’s] so good to know today, that’s helpful, so thank you. It does affect us because we had a lot of uncertainty, not only for Sunday but for tomorrow and the next few games as well. So now we have more options, he’s going to be available, which is something very positive for the team.”

The successful appeal is a significant boost for Arsenal, who face a packed fixture list in the coming weeks. After honouring their Champions League assignment against Girona on Wednesday, the Gunners will take on Premier League champions Manchester City this Sunday in a crucial league encounter. Subsequently, they will shift their attention to the Carabao Cup where they will look to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Newcastle to secure a place in the final.