Michael Oliver has one Premier League membership he is banned from officiating as a result of rule
Michael Oliver was at the centre of a major decision in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves on Saturday, with Myles Lewis-Skelly sent off in the first half at Molineux and uproar ensuing
Referee Michael Oliver sparked controversy after he sent off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly during the Saturday clash with Wolves.
The Gunners were down to 10 men just shy of half-time at their match at Molineux, following Lewis-Skelly’s raking tackle, which was described by the commentary team as a “disgraceful challenge”, on Matt Doherty as he made a break from his own box.
Oliver had an unobstructed view and he immediately showed the red card. Later on, Wolves’ Joao Gomes also saw red after collecting a second yellow for fouling Jurrien Timber, levelling out the number count with 20 minutes left on the clock as Arsenal claimed a 1-0 win thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s volley in the 74th minute.
Following the game, Oliver has received threats and abuse online for his decision to dismiss Lewis-Skelly, with the PGMOL issuing a statement in defence of their official and said police are investigating several incidents of threats.
Born in Ashington, Northumberland, Oliver made history in August 2010 when he became the youngest-ever Premier League referee, taking charge of a match between Birmingham and Blackburn Rovers at just 25 years and 182 days old.
He has since overseen two FA Cup finals and a Champions League quarter-final between Real Madrid and Juventus, in addition to his regular Premier League duties. However, due to his Geordie roots, Oliver is not allowed to referee Newcastle United fixtures.
As a self-proclaimed Newcastle fan, he is prohibited from officiating any games involving his childhood club. He’s been candid in the past about avoiding matches where the outcome could impact the Magpies, such as those tense relegation battles or contests which might significantly benefit Newcastle.
Oliver previously told The Daily Mail: “We have to declare if we have an allegiance to any club or if a family member works at a club. You can’t do any match involving that team, and I can’t do Sunderland, either, for obvious reasons.
“If Newcastle needed a point to survive and the team they were fighting to get above was, say, Villa, I couldn’t referee Villa’s game either. I wouldn’t want to. It’s not worth the hassle.”
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett elaborated on the procedures designed to maintain impartiality in football officiating: “At the beginning of every season the referees’ background information is audited.
“They complete a form that includes who they support, the history of if they’ve played the game and with the addresses where they are residing. That gives you a picture that comes into use when you’re appointing.
“It’s about ensuring, for example, you wouldn’t appoint a Sheffield-based ref for a Sheffield team.”
