Ref Support UK fears ‘even worse is just around the corner’ after Oliver abuse

A referee support group fears “even worse is just around the corner” after Premier League referee Michael Oliver was the target of threats and abuse over the weekend.

Oliver controversially brandished a red card for Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly in the Gunners’ 1-0 win at Wolves on Saturday.

He was subsequently subjected to what his employer Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) described as “abhorrent attacks” directed at him and his family.

The Ref Support UK charity argued that comments from players and coaches are fuelling the abuse officials face.

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“Incredible that the game has come to this,” a post on its official X account began.

“From top to bottom managers and players think it’s acceptable to encourage this sort of behaviour with their interviews and comments post match.

“Nothing has been learned from what happened to Anthony Taylor and his family at Budapest Airport and I fear even worse is just around the corner.”

Taylor, another of the top flight’s most highly-regarded officials, was hounded by fans on his way back from the 2023 Europa League final in the Hungarian capital after heavy criticism of his performance by then Roma coach Jose Mourinho.

Oliver’s call to send off Lewis-Skelly was upheld by VAR, but was questioned by pundits and Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta.

Arteta said he was “fuming” immediately after the match and would not comment on the decision, but wants it overturned in the same way Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was let off following a red card against Tottenham earlier in the season.

“Hopefully we don’t need to (appeal) and if we have to, there is a really good precedent, what happened with Bruno this season as well,” Arteta said.

PGMOL’s statement 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. We will continue to support all investigations.”