The Premier League have strongly condemned the abuse Michael Oliver has faced following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves at the weekend.
During Saturday’s clash at Molineux, Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a red card for a ‘professional foul’ on Matt Doherty, which stopped the home side from launching a counter-attack.
Without much deliberation, Oliver sent the Gunners defender for an early bath. Though Video Assistant Referee reviewed the incident, the on-field decision was allowed to stay with Lewis-Skelly’s challenge said to have been ‘serious foul play.
Arsenal went on to win the game 1-0 but Oliver was heavily scrutinised by fans and pundits. However, some supporters overstepped the mark and directed abuse towards to the referee.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (R) reacts after being sent off by English referee Michael Oliver (C) (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)
An official statement from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) reads: “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.”
