Liverpool NewsMichael Oliver suspended from officiating matches amid controversy over Liverpool’s red card decision..

Michael Oliver faces suspension from officiating due to recent controversies, particularly involving Liverpool and Arsenal fans.

 

 

 

The Merseyside derby was marked by excitement and disputes, culminating in a 2-2 draw after James Tarkowski’s last-minute equalizer for Everton.

 

 

 

However, much of the attention was directed at referee Michael Oliver’s contentious decisions throughout the match.

 

 

 

In the final derby at Goodison Park, both Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure received red cards after the match concluded, along with Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff.

 

 

 

The FA has since charged both clubs and Slot for their conduct.

 

 

 

This season has seen Oliver embroiled in multiple controversies, including a recent incident that left Arsenal supporters infuriated.

 

 

 

An examination of Oliver’s contentious moments reveals the matches he is prohibited from officiating.

 

 

 

Prohibited matches

 

As a Newcastle supporter, Oliver is barred from refereeing any games involving his hometown club.

 

 

 

Despite his reputation as one of the Premier League’s top referees, the 39-year-old refrains from officiating Newcastle matches to avoid any potential accusations of favoritism.

 

 

 

In an interview with the Daily Mail, he stated, “We must disclose any allegiance to a club or if a family member is associated with one.”

 

 

 

Additionally, he is unable to officiate matches involving Newcastle’s fierce rivals, Sunderland, for “obvious reasons.” He remarked, “If Newcastle needed a point to stay up and the team they were competing against was, for instance, Villa, I wouldn’t want to referee Villa’s game. It’s simply not worth the trouble.”

 

 

 

Myles Lewis-Skelly incident

 

Oliver’s year has been tumultuous, highlighted by the controversial red card issued to Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly for a challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.

 

 

 

This decision ignited significant backlash, leading to Oliver and his family facing disturbing online harassment.

 

 

 

The red card was later rescinded upon appeal, prompting former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett to recommend that referee Michael Oliver take a break from officiating.

 

 

 

In a discussion on talkSPORT, the 80-year-old former referee remarked, “This is a significant mistake that one would not expect from the top referee. He was in close proximity to the incident.”

 

 

 

Hackett continued, “I believe he needs operational guidance. I would advise Michael Oliver to take some time off, and I doubt he will officiate another Premier League match for a few weeks.”

 

 

 

In the Merseyside derby, tensions escalated as Oliver made several controversial decisions. Following Tarkowski’s dramatic equalizer, which was confirmed after a lengthy VAR review, chaos ensued at the final whistle.

 

 

 

Doucoure’s celebration in front of Liverpool supporters sparked a mass confrontation, resulting in red cards for both him and Jones, while Slot and Hulshoff were also dismissed for their actions towards Oliver.

 

 

 

Liverpool expressed their outrage over the failure to call a foul against Beto prior to the equalizer.

 

 

 

The situation continues to develop, even as Slot has expressed remorse for his behavior. Initially, the Premier League announced a two-match suspension for Slot, only to later retract that statement.

 

 

 

The FA has now charged Slot for allegedly behaving improperly and/or using insulting and/or abusive language towards both the match referee and an assistant referee after the match concluded.

 

 

 

It is important to note that a red card issued to staff does not automatically lead to a touchline ban for a coach.

 

 

 

The FA is currently reviewing Oliver’s report and the video evidence before determining any further actions, including the possibility of touchline bans.