Michael Oliver: Police investigating abuse towards referee after Myles Lewis-Skelly red card, says PGMOL
Police are investigating “threatening and abusive” behavior directed at referee Michael Oliver after Arsenal’s game against Wolves on Saturday, PGMOL said.
In the 43rd minute, Oliver caught opposing defender Matt Doherty outside the Wolves penalty area and counterattacked above the ankle, sending Gunners defender Miles Lewis Skelly off with a red card.
Darren England, the video assistant referee (VAR) for the Molineux game, upheld the decision.
Refereeing body PGMOL said: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver.”
“No officer should be subjected to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks targeted at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.
“Multiple investigations have begun,” the statement added.
“We support Michael and all those affected and are determined to address this unacceptable behaviour.”
Oliver also fired Wolves midfielder Joao Gomez late in the game before Ricardo Calafiore scored Arsenal’s only goal of the game.
After the game, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta told BBC Match of the Day that the decision to send off Lewis Skelly was “very obvious and you don’t need me to say anything today”.
The decision was also criticized by former officials and experts.
PGMOL added: “Sadly, this is not the first time match officials have been forced to respond to threats in recent times.”
“We will continue to support all investigations.”
