PGMOL release statement as police investigate threats made to referee Oliver

Oliver controversially sent off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly during their 1-0 win at Wolves on Saturday.

Lewis-Skelly tripped Matt Doherty, who was breaking away after a Gunners corner, and was shown a straight red card for the offence.

The Premier League match centre said: "The referee's call of a red card for Lewis-Skelly was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his challenge to have been serious foul play."

The PGMOL have since released a statement condemning abuse that has been sent to Oliver following the decision.

"We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture," the PGMOL said.

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"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. We will continue to support all investigations."

Daily Mail reporter Mike Keegan posted on X saying Oliver has a young family and the abuse has included 'death threats, comments about children and claims to know his address'.

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Speaking to talkSPORT on Sunday, former PGMOL head Keith Hackett claimed that Oliver needs a two-week rest.

"I'd be admitting this morning that this is a major error, that you don't expect the alleged number one referee to make.

"He's on top of the incident. I think he's too close and so I think he requires operational advice.

"I'd be saying to Michael Oliver, I think you need a rest and I think you're not going to see another game in the Premier League for a couple of weeks. That's the first action."

"Ultimately, the referee takes responsibility," he added when asked if VAR should have taken responsibility.

"I admit, and I'm very clear, that VAR did not do what VAR should do. This was a clear and obvious error. It wasn't serious foul play.

"I cannot believe that Darren England on VAR didn't come in and help Michael Oliver. That's the first point.

"But let's get back to Michael Oliver initially, because he's the guy in charge. We know that the process of refereeing is; to see, recognise, think, and then act.

"It was instant. It was too instant. He needed to have a thought process that runs through and visualise that incident, give himself time, milliseconds, before he makes this major error.

"Now, Darren England? Well, Darren England's allocated a game this afternoon, Crystal Palace.

"So as VAR, he would not be on that game. I'm quite clear that there needs to be seen to be a level of accountability.

"More than that, you need to take these guys out of the oven, no matter what level they're at, and give them the appropriate operational advice.

"Talk through that incident, give them time to think through it, and then determine how they could make an error in law."