Arsenal charged by the FA over Myles Lewis-Skelly and Michael Oliver controversy

 Arsenal have been charged by the FA over their players' behaviour following defender Myles Lewis-Skelly's controversial red card against Wolves.

Lewis-Skelly, 18, was sent off by referee Michael Oliver for a challenge on Wolves right-back Matt Doherty. The Gunners teenager had made contact with Doherty's calf and ankle with his studs, and Oliver believed that the challenge had reached the threshold for 'serious foul play'.

The red card has since been overturned but Arsenal's behaviour in the aftermath is alleged to have broken FA rules. A number of their players surrounded Oliver, with England international Declan Rice among those to directly shout in his face.

Defender Jurrien Timber was shown a yellow card for his protests, with the Gunners going on to win the Premier League match 1-0 thanks to substitute Riccardo Calafiori's second-half goal. Arsenal have Monday, February 3 to appeal the charge.

"Arsenal FC has been charged after its players surrounded a match official during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers FC on Saturday, 25 January," an FA spokesperson said. "The club allegedly failed to ensure that its players did not behave in an improper manner around the 43rd minute. Arsenal FC has until Monday, 3 February, to provide a response."

Oliver and members of his family have been the subject of abhorrent abuse since the incident, with the 39-year-old official - considered one of the Premier League's best referees - even receiving death threats. Oliver's decision was upheld by Darren England, who was the video assistant referee (VAR) for the game at Molineux.

"We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture," a statement from the PGMOL - the body in charge of Premier League officials - read. "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."

Oliver returned to action by refereeing Barcelona's 2-2 draw with Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Northumberland-born referee will also be in charge of Ipswich and Southampton's clash on Saturday.