As debate rages over Arsenal's controversial red card at Wolves, fans up and down the land have been swatting up on the rules.

Myles Lewis-Skelly was given his marching orders at Molineux after Michael Oliver adjudged his challenge on Matt Doherty constituted serious foul play. Arsenal's players surrounded Oliver, but were only left further incensed after VAR officials in Stockley Park backed up the on-field decision.

Replays did show that Lewis-Skelly caught Doherty on the shin, although the level of force exerted was open for debate. The PGMOL have since backed up Oliver's decision with a statement to Sky Sports which reads: "PGMOL's position on the incident is the challenge is extremely late, the point of contact is high and video evidence supports that conclusion."

That explanation has done little to satisfy Arsenal fans, but a look at the Premier League's official guidance has also caught the eye of their title rivals Liverpool.

When vying for the title last season, they were denied a late penalty against Manchester City after Jeremy Doku went in high against Alexis Mac Allister in the area.

Doku escaped without punishment for the challenge with VAR claiming that both players “came in high”, while the incident was simply a “coming together”. But it's the image of that collision has been chosen alongside the guidance of what constitutes a foul.

The first category of high challenges are labelled as careless, with the guidance being that only a free kick is warranted. That is determined when there is low force, speed and awareness of opponent, as well as being in control with little risk of danger to the opponent.

Reckless challenges have also been explained and should esult in yellow cards. That would involve more force, speed and a medium degree of danger. Partial contact and a high degree of control will see players spared red cards.

Dismissals have also been explained. Premier League stars can face early baths if their challenges are of high speed, force, point of contact and degree of danger. Players will also be sent off if they make full contact, have a clear line of sight to the opponent and fully extend their leading leg.

Mac Allister was left in agony after Doku's challenge (
Image:
Getty Images)

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But the picture used - of an incident which was NOT judged as a foul - has generated plenty of responses, with one Liverpool fan saying: "They’re trolling they know what they’re doing."

A second posted: "So they are saying this kind of challenge is OK, good process," with another replying: "Looool, and its not like VAR didnt give a penalty for this, but Howard Webb has audacity to go on a TV and explain why this is not a pen."

Meanwhile, the Premier League and PGMOL have issued a stern response after Oliver and his family were threatened following the controversial decision at the weekend.

The PL said: "The Premier League strongly condemns the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver," it said. "No official should be subject to any form of abuse. We will continue to support Michael, PGMOL and all investigations."

Michael Oliver sent Myles Lewis-Skelly off on Saturday (
Image:
(Image: Getty))

The PGMOL also sent out a message deploring the abuse suffered by Oliver as they confirmed police were looking into the reports. Their own statement 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. We will continue to support all investigations."

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