Premier League issue Michael Oliver statement after controversial Arsenal red card vs Wolves
The Premier League have strongly condemned the abuse Michael Oliver has faced following Arsenal's 1-0 win over Wolves at the weekend. During Saturday's clash at Molineux, Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a red card for a 'professional foul' on Matt Doherty, which stopped the home side from launching a counter-attack.
Without much deliberation, Oliver sent the Gunners defender for an early bath. The Video Assistant Referee reviewed the incident, and Darren England confirmed the on-field decision, adjudging Lewis-Skelly's challenge to have been 'serious foul play'.
Fortunately for the 18-year-old, the decision didn't stop his side from wrapping up three important points in the Premier League title race. With a quarter of an hour or so left to play, Riccardo Calafiori, who replaced Ethan Nwaneri at half-time, fired Arsenal into the lead.
READ MORE: Arsenal handed Myles Lewis-Skelly double boost after Mikel Arteta claim
After the game, Oliver was heavily scrutinised by fans and pundits alike, with Ian Wright describing the red card as a 'joke'. However, some supporters overstepped the mark and directed abuse towards to the referee.
An official statement from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) reads: "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. We will continue to support all investigations."
The Premier League responded by issuing a statement of their own on X, previously known as Twitter. It reads: "The Premier League strongly condemns the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver. No official should be subject to any form of abuse. We will continue to support Michael, PGMOL and all investigations."
In an interview with Football Insider, the former PGMOL chief also condemned the abuse Oliver has faced. Keith Hackett said: "There is no room in life for abuse and physical threats to anyone. I do not condone the abuse that appears to be aimed towards Michael Oliver.
"Sadly this does happen on social media so be prepared for it when you open your laptop or switch on your phone. Not for the first time a referee has come under this type of unacceptable behaviour."
Hackett added: "The PGMOL is an employer and in that capacity they have a duty of care towards their employees. Michael Oliver like all his colleagues will receive the appropriate support.
"He is a strong individual and like all referees do not go out into the field of play to make mistakes. Sadly human beings do make errors. The important duty is to learn from them and not to repeat them."
