The Premier League has made a significant decision regarding Michael Oliver’s role in this weekend’s fixtures.
Oliver, 39, officiated a dramatic Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday, where Liverpool and Everton played out a chaotic 2-2 draw. Considered one of the top referees in the league, he faced a challenging match.
During the game, Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure were both sent off after an altercation, sparked when Doucoure, 32, appeared to taunt the visiting Liverpool fans, angering Jones, 24. Both players received second yellow cards and were dismissed.
Shortly after, Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, were also sent off following a heated argument with the officiating team.
On Thursday, lip reader Jeremy Freeman revealed to SPORTbible what Slot allegedly said to Oliver after the match. Slot was reportedly furious, calling a decision “a f**king disgrace” and sarcastically congratulating an assistant referee. He also questioned his own red card, suggesting he would review it later.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Slot acknowledged his emotional reaction and expressed regret, stating that he would handle the situation differently if given another chance.
As for Michael Oliver, he will not be refereeing a match this weekend but will serve as VAR. He will oversee Brighton vs. Chelsea at the AMEX on Friday before continuing in the role for Aston Villa vs. Ipswich Town at Villa Park on Saturday. Meanwhile, Simon Hooper will officiate Liverpool’s game against Wolves at Anfield on Sunday.
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