Premier League referee Michael Oliver is under police protection after receiving death threats following his decision to send off Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Oliver issued the teenage left-back a straight red card for serious foul play during Arsenal’s hard-fought victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. Despite Arsenal’s win, which also saw Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes dismissed, Oliver faced significant online abuse, which the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) condemned as “abhorrent.”
The Times reports that police have been assigned to patrol Oliver’s home for the safety of him, his wife, and their two-year-old daughter.
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Oliver, one of the Premier League’s most respected referees, was originally scheduled to officiate next Sunday’s high-profile clash between Arsenal and Manchester City. However, in light of the recent threats, the 39-year-old will now referee Ipswich Town’s crucial relegation battle with Southampton on Saturday.
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) is working with social media companies to track down the anonymous abusers. Lead constable Mark Roberts issued a stern warning: “If people think they can hide behind their keyboards, they are mistaken. We will pursue offenders abroad with the help of overseas authorities.”
In response to the abuse, PGMOL issued a statement expressing their outrage: “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.”