Michael Oliver handed over two VAR assignments this weekend
Michael Oliver will not referee the game this weekend, but was assigned two games as VAR as the fallout continued from last night’s Merseyside derby.
Oliver has rejected Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulay Ducole.
Officials also sent Reds boss Arne Slot after the Dutch used insulting words in his direction.
The Premier League announced its mission for the weekend yesterday before the Merseyside Derby, and although Oliver will not be taken to the field, he will be able to drill a hole in the Stockley Park bunker.
Match the official appointment of #pl MatchWeek 25⤵️
– pgmol (@fa_pgmol) February 11, 2025
Michael Oliver’s mission this weekend
- Friday, February 14th – Brighton in Chelsea: var
- Saturday, February 15th – Aston Villa v Ipswich: var
The incident of Lewis Skelly is still fresh in my memory
Last night wasn’t Oliver’s first brush with controversy this season.
Newcastle officials were the subject of widespread criticism of his decision to send out Arsenal’s fullback Miles Lewis Skelly in the Gunners’ 1-0 victory with the Wolves last month.
Police had to be stationed outside Oliver’s home after social media threats were made against the judge’s family.
Judge Pgmol said, “We are eager to the threats and abuses directed at Michael Oliver following the equipment from Wolves v Arsenal. Abhorrent attacks targeting Michael and his family over the past 24 hours. Needless to say, don’t be abused in any form.
“The police are aware, and a lot of investigations have begun. We are supporting Michael, and we are determined to tackle this unacceptable behavior as all people are affected. Sadly. In particular, this is not the first time that match officials have been forced to deal with recent threats.”
Lewis-Skelly’s Red Card was later rescinded on appeal.