Police open investigations as ref Michael Oliver subjected to ‘abhorrent attacks’ after controversial Arsenal red card
Police open investigations as ref Michael Oliver subjected to ‘abhorrent attacks’ after controversial Arsenal red card
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Sponsored by. POLICE have opened an investigation after referee Michael Oliver was subjected to "abhorrent attacks". The official sent off Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly during the clash against Wolves. The decision was deemed as controversial and was not changed by VAR.
![[Referee Michael Oliver putting cards in his pocket.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/referee-michael-oliver-looks-whilst-966583507_54ecdb.jpg?strip=all&w=840)
The defender, 18, tripped Matt Doherty as he looked to break away. Replays showed that the Arsenal star's studs caught the Wolves player. The Premier League confirmed that VAR supported the decision as Lewis-Skelly was guilty of "serious foul play". The PGMOL have now released a statement confirming that the police have opened an investigation into abuse targeting the referee.
![[Soccer player receiving a red card.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-red-card-myles-lewis-966655626_16a69c.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
It read: "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.
"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.
By Mark Halsey. VAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty. An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.
