Michael Oliver is set to officiate a Premier League match this weekend despite an ongoing PGMOL investigation into abuse he received after a decision during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Wolves.
The controversy arose last weekend when Oliver controversially sent off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly for a foul on Matt Doherty. The decision, which was reviewed and upheld by VAR official Darren England, deemed the tackle “serious foul play” in the 43rd minute at Molineux.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his outrage post-match, calling the decision “absolutely fuming,” while former Manchester City defender Micah Richards criticized it as “the worst decision in Premier League history.” Richards added, “How can they check VAR multiple times and still conclude it’s a red card? It was shocking.”
On Sunday, the PGMOL released a statement confirming an investigation into “abhorrent” threats made against Oliver and his family following the match. The statement condemned the abuse, stating, “No official should face such treatment, especially attacks directed at Michael and his family.” They confirmed police involvement and pledged support for those affected, emphasizing the need to address this ongoing issue.
Despite the backlash, Oliver will referee Saturday’s Premier League match between Ipswich Town and Southampton and has also been assigned to officiate the rescheduled Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on February 12, according to the Daily Mail.
Reports revealed that Oliver and his partner discovered a police car outside their home on Sunday morning after receiving a death threat targeting him and his two-year-old daughter. The Metropolitan Police escalated the matter to his local force, prompting increased safety checks.