Investigation Launched into Threats Against Referee
Referee Michael Oliver has been subjected to death threats and abuse following his decision to issue a red card to Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly during a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has condemned these actions and confirmed that police are investigating the threats directed at Oliver and his family.
The incident occurred in the 43rd minute of the match when Lewis-Skelly’s challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty led to his dismissal, a decision upheld by VAR.
This has sparked widespread criticism, with former referee Mark Halsey and football pundit Ian Wright among those arguing that the tackle warranted only a yellow card.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his anger over the red card decision, while PGMOL emphasized that no official should face such abuse. The Premier League also condemned the threats and pledged support for Oliver.