Michael Oliver won’t referee a game this weekend, although he has been assigned two matches as the VAR as the fall-out continues from last night’s Merseyside derby.
Oliver dismissed Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure after the pair clashed following the final whistle in a feisty encounter that finished 2-2 at Goodison Park.
The official also sent off Reds boss Arne Slot after the Dutchman used insulting language in his direction with Liverpool incensed that James Tarkowski’s last-gasp equaliser had been allowed to stand.
The Premier League announced this weekend’s assignments yesterday, prior to the Merseyside derby, and Oliver won’t take to the field but will be holed up in the bunker at Stockley Park.
Match official appointments for #PL Matchweek 25 ⤵️
— PGMOL (@FA_PGMOL) February 11, 2025
Michael Oliver’s assignments this weekend
- Friday, February 14 – Brighton v Chelsea: VAR
- Saturday, February 15 – Aston Villa v Ipswich: VAR
Lewis-Skelly incident still fresh in the memory
Last night was not Oliver’s first brush with controversy this season.
The Newcastle official was the subject of widespread criticism for his decision to send off Arsenal full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly in the Gunners’ 1-0 win at Wolves last month.
Police had to be stationed outside Oliver’s house after threats were made on social media towards the referee’s family.
Refereeing body PGMOL released a statement which read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolves 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.”
Lewis-Skelly’s red card was later rescinded on appeal.