The PGMOL have revealed that the police investigations have been launched over abuse aimed at Michael Oliver. The referee has received threats following his decision to show a red card to Myles Lewis-Skelly during Arsenal‘s win over Wolves on Saturday.
Oliver dismissed the teenager for a tackle on Matt Doherty three minutes before half-time. The decision was hugely controversial and attracted heated debate.
However, Oliver is said to have received threats and abuse after the game, which Arsenal won 1-0. The PGMOL have confirmed that the police are investigating attacks on Oliver and his family. The 39-year-old official is receiving support.
A statement read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.
“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 behaviour.
“Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times. We will continue to support all investigations.”
The PGMOL are understood to be standing by Oliver’s decision to show Lewis-Skelly a red card. Debate raged over whether the challenge met the criteria for serious foul play, which is defined by the Laws of the Game as: “A tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality.”
In addition, the rules add: “Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.”
Lewis-Skelly caught Doherty on the ankle but it was felt that the left-back performed a raking motion down the Wolves player’s heel. The PGMOL are also backing Darren England, who was on VAR duty for the game.
Head coach Mikel Arteta suggested that Arsenal will appeal against the decision. The Spaniard refused to say too much when asked about the red card, but admitted that he was “absolutely fuming”.
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