The English Premier League has once again been marred by controversy surrounding match officials, as police investigate threats and abuse directed at referee Michael Oliver. The abuse follows Oliver’s decision to issue a red card to Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly during Saturday’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, which Arsenal narrowly won. The refereeing body, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), confirmed the incident and expressed their condemnation of the attacks.
The Incident: Lewis-Skelly’s Red Card
During the tightly contested game, Lewis-Skelly was sent off in the second half for tripping Wolves’ Matt Doherty near the edge of the penalty box. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta was visibly angered by the decision, calling it “harsh,” and the incident sparked widespread debate. The decision, initially made by Oliver, was reviewed and upheld by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) as “serious foul play.”
This red card marked Arsenal’s fourth dismissal of the season, intensifying frustration among fans and pundits alike. Former Premier League referee Mike Dean weighed in, stating, “A yellow card would have been sufficient.” The Premier League, however, defended the decision in a statement, reiterating that VAR had confirmed the challenge met the criteria for a red card. As a result, Lewis-Skelly will now serve a three-match suspension.
PGMOL Condemns Threats and Abuse
In the aftermath of the game, Michael Oliver and his family became the targets of online threats and abuse, prompting the involvement of law enforcement. PGMOL released a strongly worded statement on Sunday, condemning the actions of those responsible.
“We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture,” the statement 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 behavior.”
Is Enough Being Done to Protect Referees?
The abuse faced by Oliver is part of a larger issue plaguing football. Referees worldwide have increasingly been subjected to threats and harassment, both online and in person, often fueled by the heightened emotions of fans and players. The PGMOL and other footballing bodies have repeatedly called for stricter measures to protect officials, emphasizing that such behavior undermines the integrity of the sport.
The introduction of VAR was intended to reduce controversy and ensure fair decision-making, but it has often had the opposite effect, with fans and pundits questioning its consistency. This has, in turn, placed even greater scrutiny on referees like Oliver.