Police investigating abuse aimed at referee Oliver

Police are investigating “threats and abuse” directed at referee Michael Oliver following Arsenal’s game against Wolves on Saturday, the PGMOL has said.

After catching opposing defender Matt Doherty above the ankle in the 43rd minute, Oliver sent a red card to Gunners defender Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The decision was upheld by Darren England, who was the video assistant referee (VAR) for the game at Molineux.

The abuse and threats directed at Michael Oliver are abhorrent, according to referees’ body PGMOL.

“No official should be subject to abuse of any kind, let alone the hateful attacks that Michael and his family have experienced in the last 24 hours.

The statement added that” a number of investigations have commenced”.

” We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour. “

The Premier League “strongly condemns the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver,” the league stated.

It added:” No official should be subject to any form of abuse. We will continue to support Michael, PGMOL and all investigations. “

Later in the match, Oliver also dismissed Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes before Riccardo Calafiori scored the game’s winning goal.

Arsenal manager Arteta explained to BBC Match of the Day that Lewis-Skelly’s dismissal was “so obvious that today you don’t need my words.”

Former officials and experts also criticized the decision.

A match official has been subjected to threats before, sadly, added the PGMOL.