Police investigate death threats against Premier League referee Michael Oliver

In England, following a controversial decision during a Premier League match, referee Michael Oliver faced intense backlash and threats online. The incident occurred on Saturday during Arsenal's 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, when Oliver issued a straight red card to Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly in the first half for a foul. This decision, which was confirmed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), resulted in widespread criticism, notably from football pundits and former officials who deemed it a major error. As a result of the outcry, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) announced that Oliver endured 'abhorrent abuse' online, including death threats directed at him and his family. The PGMOL condemned the attacks and confirmed they are cooperating with police investigations. This incident highlights an alarming trend of increasing abuse directed toward match officials, with PGMOL emphasizing that no official should be subject to such treatment. Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, also expressed his outrage at the situation, calling for stronger measures to eliminate abuse in football and urging the community to take action against such behavior. He stressed the need for making proper decisions and enhancing accountability for those indulging in online harassment. As a direct consequence of the incident, an independent commission later overturned the red card decision, allowing Lewis-Skelly to avoid suspension. Despite the controversy, Oliver is set to officiate upcoming matches, continuing his role as a prominent figure in English football. The football community's response further underlines the need for addressing the growing climate of hostility faced by referees, both on and off the field. Arteta's insistence on ridding the sport of abuse signals a collective responsibility to protect officials in the game, and it stresses that the integrity of the sport necessitates respect for its referees.