Michael Oliver makes decision on Premier League return after Arsenal controversy
Michael Oliver makes decision on Premier League return after Arsenal controversy
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Under-fire referee Michael Oliver WILL take charge of a Premier League match this weekend, it's been confirmed. Oliver, 39, and members of his family have been subject to vile abuse following his controversial decision to show Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly a red card on Saturday. The official, who's considered one of the Premier League's top referees, sent 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly for an early bath after he caught Wolves defender Matt Doherty's calf and ankle with his studs.
His decision - which Arsenal have now formally appealed - was upheld by VAR and despite the Gunners grinding out a 1-0 win and Wolves also getting a men sent off in the second half, a fierce debate has been raging throughout the early parts of the week. It'd been speculated that Oliver would be stood down from his duties this weekend, with the Northumberland-born referee continuing to face a tirade of abuse.
But Oliver doesn't want to shy away from the spotlight, as evidenced by the fact he's scheduled to referee Wednesday's Champions League clash between Barcelona and Atalanta. And now the Premier League have confirmed which fixture he'll be in charge of this weekend.
It's been announced that Oliver will referee Ipswich against fellow strugglers Southampton at Portman Road on Saturday. He's also been given task of handling next month's rescheduled Merseyside derby, the final match between rivals Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park.
