Under-fire Michael Oliver immediately handed Premier League match this weekend and will also take charge of upcoming derby
Premier League referee Michael Oliver will resume officiating duties this weekend despite being the target of threats and abuse. Oliver was thrust into the limelight following his controversial sending off of Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly during the Gunners’ 1-0 win at Wolves. GettyArsenal players were left incensed by Oliver’s decision to dismiss Lewis-Skelly[/caption] The 39-year-old and his family were subjected to threats in the aftermath of Saturday’s match at Molineux with the police launching an investigation into the matter. Oliver, his partner and their young child were targeted by online trolls leading to a police investigation. A statement from the PGMOL on Sunday 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.” Despite calls from former PGMOL head Keith Hackett for Oliver to be stood down for a couple of weeks, Oliver instead told the decision makers that he wanted to continue as normal this weekend. Oliver’s request was granted and he will take charge of Ipswich’s clash with Southampton at Portman Road on Saturday. He has also been handed whistling duties for the rearranged Everton vs Liverpool clash at Goodison Park on February 12. His inclusion in two upcoming key Premier League fixtures suggests PGMOL are satisfied that Oliver is ready to resume his duties despite the enhanced spotlight on him. AFPThe red card dished out to Lewis-Skelly sparked a torrent of abuse on social media[/caption] Lewis-Skelly was given his marching orders for a professional foul on Wolves’ Matt Doherty during the first half. The Premier League’s match centre labelled the tackle as ‘serious foul play’ and said VAR Darren England checked and confirmed Oliver’s on-field decision. Oliver’s decision caused him to come under scrutiny from fans and pundits with some referring to the decision as among the worst they have seen. However, Oliver did find an ally in talkSPORT’s Jason Cundy, who agreed with his decision to brandish a red card, whilst describing the outrage aimed at the referee as ‘ridiculous’. “The outrage on this challenge is absolutely ridiculous,” Cundy told The Sports Bar. “I cannot believe I’m hearing high-profile journalists, reporters and ex-players talking about it. talksport=Cundy gave his backing to Oliver and agreed with his decision to award a red card[/caption] “I’ve heard Alan Shearer, Danny Murphy and even Troy Deeney calling it one of the worst decisions in history – I don’t see that, honestly I don’t. “You can make a decision where you think it’s the right or wrong decision but the outrage and outpouring of absolute grief – and that’s what it is, grief in the football world is preposterous. “I tell you now, honestly it’s insane. “I actually feel that this is not one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen. I can understand why Oliver’s given it and you can decide if you agree with him or not. “Personally, I think it’s closer to an orange card even though that doesn’t exist, but it’s not the worst decision. “I can see why Lewis-Skelly was sent off, honestly I can. “The ball is nowhere near him, he leads with his studs and makes no contact with the ankle – he starts at the shin and yes, it is cynical and it’s dangerous and I know those two don’t lead to a red card. “When he’s going for the ball and the ball is gone – I’m sorry, but on another day he gets the same tackle wrong and injures him badly. “That, for me, is unacceptable and I hope the red stands.”
Premier League referee Michael Oliver will resume officiating duties this weekend despite being the target of threats and abuse.
Oliver was thrust into the limelight following his controversial sending off of Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly during the Gunners’ 1-0 win at Wolves.
The 39-year-old and his family were subjected to threats in the aftermath of Saturday’s match at Molineux with the police launching an investigation into the matter.
Oliver, his partner and their young child were targeted by online trolls leading to a police investigation.
A statement from the PGMOL on Sunday 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.”
Despite calls from former PGMOL head Keith Hackett for Oliver to be stood down for a couple of weeks, Oliver instead told the decision makers that he wanted to continue as normal this weekend.
Oliver’s request was granted and he will take charge of Ipswich’s clash with Southampton at Portman Road on Saturday.
He has also been handed whistling duties for the rearranged Everton vs Liverpool clash at Goodison Park on February 12.
His inclusion in two upcoming key Premier League fixtures suggests PGMOL are satisfied that Oliver is ready to resume his duties despite the enhanced spotlight on him.
Lewis-Skelly was given his marching orders for a professional foul on Wolves’ Matt Doherty during the first half.
The Premier League’s match centre labelled the tackle as ‘serious foul play’ and said VAR Darren England checked and confirmed Oliver’s on-field decision.
Oliver’s decision caused him to come under scrutiny from fans and pundits with some referring to the decision as among the worst they have seen.
However, Oliver did find an ally in talkSPORT’s Jason Cundy, who agreed with his decision to brandish a red card, whilst describing the outrage aimed at the referee as ‘ridiculous’.
“The outrage on this challenge is absolutely ridiculous,” Cundy told The Sports Bar.
“I cannot believe I’m hearing high-profile journalists, reporters and ex-players talking about it.
“I’ve heard Alan Shearer, Danny Murphy and even Troy Deeney calling it one of the worst decisions in history – I don’t see that, honestly I don’t.
“You can make a decision where you think it’s the right or wrong decision but the outrage and outpouring of absolute grief – and that’s what it is, grief in the football world is preposterous.
“I tell you now, honestly it’s insane.
“I actually feel that this is not one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen. I can understand why Oliver’s given it and you can decide if you agree with him or not.
“Personally, I think it’s closer to an orange card even though that doesn’t exist, but it’s not the worst decision.
“I can see why Lewis-Skelly was sent off, honestly I can.
“The ball is nowhere near him, he leads with his studs and makes no contact with the ankle – he starts at the shin and yes, it is cynical and it’s dangerous and I know those two don’t lead to a red card.
“When he’s going for the ball and the ball is gone – I’m sorry, but on another day he gets the same tackle wrong and injures him badly.
“That, for me, is unacceptable and I hope the red stands.”
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