The Premier League has made a significant decision regarding Michael Oliver’s role in gameweek 26.
At 39, Oliver is regarded as one of the league’s top referees, but he faced a challenging evening during and after the recent Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Everton captain James Tarkowski scored a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer, sparking celebrations among the home fans. However, the aftermath was chaotic. Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure appeared to taunt Liverpool supporters, prompting an angry reaction from Reds midfielder Curtis Jones. The two players clashed, leading Oliver to show them both second yellow cards.
The tension escalated further when Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff were sent off after a heated confrontation with Oliver and his team post-match. Slot and Hulshoff have since been charged by the FA and must respond by Wednesday, February 19.
Following the controversial game, Oliver was temporarily removed from on-field duties. Instead, he served as the VAR for Chelsea’s 3-0 loss to Brighton on Friday and Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town on Saturday.
However, he will return to refereeing on Wednesday, officiating the Champions League play-off second leg between Paris Saint-Germain and Brest at the Parc des Princes.
As for his Premier League return, the league confirmed on Tuesday that Oliver will oversee the Saturday evening clash between Aston Villa and Chelsea at Villa Park. He will be assisted by Stuart Burt, James Mainwaring, and fourth official Dean Whitestone.
Looking ahead, the league has also assigned Oliver to referee Brighton’s match against Bournemouth in gameweek 27, scheduled between February 25 and 27.
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