Arsenal boss Arteta demands fans stop Oliver abuse after Lewis-Skelly red card

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was pleased to see Myles Lewis-Skelly's red card against Wolves rescinded but has criticised fans aiming abuse at referee Michael Oliver.

Eighteen-year-old Lewis-Skelly was sent off late in the first half of Saturday's game at Molineux, having caught Matt Doherty with a clumsy challenge high up the pitch.

The decision, which was checked and upheld by the VAR, was roundly criticised by fans and pundits, though the Gunners went on to win 1-0 after Joao Gomes was also sent off.

In the aftermath of the match, PGMOL – the body overseeing referees in the English game – said police were investigating threats and abuse directed at Oliver online.

On Tuesday, the Football Association announced Arsenal had won their appeal against a three-match ban for Lewis-Skelly. 

While that outcome pleased Arteta, he said everyone involved in the game must work to eradicate abuse against officials.

"Obviously (we are) really happy that the decision has been made and Myles is going to be available for us," Arteta told reporters on Tuesday, as he previewed Wednesday's Champions League clash with Girona.

"Every time I talk about (abuse towards) a player, a coach, it doesn't matter. We have to try hard to eradicate it from the game. It certainly damages our sport. So let's get it out.

"We focus on the evolution of football and where it is heading in the next five years. I think one big evolution we can have is to make a social environment that is better.

"We don't need to keep this hatred, it removes the beauty of the sport."

Arsenal's trip to Catalonia represents their final outing in the league phase of Europe's premier club competition, with Girona out of contention for a knockout place after losing six of their first seven games.

"I think this is a beautiful story, especially in the way that they've done it," Arteta said of Girona, who finished third in LaLiga last season.

"It shows you can do big things with a vision. I watched all their games in their group stage as I love the team, I love the coach.

"I need to know them very well, they were very competitive against the big names. They didn't get the results they deserved."

Arsenal, who are third in the Champions League standings with 16 points, need a draw to make certain of their place in the last 16 and avoid a two-legged play-off.

"We have been very close to big titles in the last few years but that's very difficult in football," Arteta added. "Tomorrow we must earn our qualification."