MICHAEL OLIVER WILL not referee the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City on Sunday after being at the centre of a controversial incident involving the Gunners last weekend.
Oliver is regarded as one of the world’s top officials but has faced threats and abuse since his decision to send off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly in a match at Wolves last Saturday.
The 39-year-old’s home is reportedly under police guard following threats towards him and his family, which have been condemned by his employer Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Oliver will instead officiate the Ipswich v Southampton match this Saturday. Before that, he will be in charge for the Champions League match between Barcelona and Atalanta on Wednesday night.
Oliver sent Lewis-Skelly off for a tackle on Wolves’ Matt Doherty. His decision was reviewed and upheld by VAR Darren England, who this weekend will referee the match between Bournemouth and Liverpool.
Death threats
For a questionable decision
Wonder what Premiership refs are paid ?
It’s not a third of million a week like a certain non-trying Mancunian and I haven’t heard of anyone threatening him with same
Maybe the refs should contemplate withdrawal of their services
@Gerry Kelly: The decision was upheld by a fellow referee, so by all accounts the law was applied. There was nothing questionable about it, except by those who obviously don’t know the rules of the game.
@Paul Linehan: Dermot Gallagher knows the rules,a lot better than you I reckon
@Deano74: Dermot Gallagher is retired from refereeing for nearly 18 years. He is paid by SKY and they love a bit of controversy. He most probably does know the rules better than me, but wouldn’t be up to speed as much as Michael Oliver and Darren England.
@Paul Linehan: correct,but to suggest anyone who disagrees with Oliver’s decision doesn’t know the rules is farcical,for what it’s worth Gallagher generally sides with the officials,that red card will probably be the most controversial of the season,with opinion in my view firmly on the side of those who think it was harsh.
@Deano74: Two current officials agree and one, who retired before VAR was used and works for SKY, doesn’t agree. That’s all you need to take from this argument Deano!!!
@Paul Linehan: And just in,the red has been recinded,are you still backing Oliver and Darren England over Gallagher,yea those that didn’t agree don’t know the rules,nice one Paul.
Anyone who abuses referees and sends death threats has no place calling themselves football fans. These people need to be called out, named and shamed, let their family, friends, work colleagues and employers know their true character. Refereeing is a thankless job and refs certainly don’t need the added pressure of abuse or death treats based on a perceived bad decision. Yes the red card was debatable and VAR could have intervened but I saw pundits agree and disagree with the decision. It’s only a game, move on
It was a ridiculous decision but everyone makes mistakes. Less understandable is why VAR through him under the bus by upholding the error. It would have prevented everything that followed. That’s is not to condone the abuse he received. Any criticism should be aimed at VAR
@Tom Walsh: it’s been overturned.
One word….scandalous
@Seamus Kelly: that’s three words