Police investigating abuse of Premier League ref Michael Oliver after Wolves-Arsenal match

LONDON (AP) — English soccer’s match officials body says police are investigating “abhorrent attacks” aimed at Premier League referee Michael Oliver and his family following the match between Wolverhampton and Arsenal.

Oliver was the referee for Saturday’s game at Molineux which Arsenal won 1-0 after both teams had a man sent off.

Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the body responsible for referees in English soccer, said Sunday it is “appalled by the threats and abuse directed at” Oliver following the game.

“No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let along the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours,” the PGMOL said.

“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 behavior.”

Police investigating abuse of Premier League ref Michael Oliver after Wolves-Arsenal match | iNFOnews.ca
Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, left, pleads with referee Michael Oliver after he sent off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelli during the English Premier League soccer match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

The PGMOL said it “is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.”

Oliver’s most contentious call during the Wolves-Arsenal match was to give a straight red card to Arsenal left back Myles Lewis-Skelly for a foul committed just outside Wolves’ penalty area.

The decision was upheld by the video assistant referee after a review and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he was “absolutely fuming” at the call.

Police investigating abuse of Premier League ref Michael Oliver after Wolves-Arsenal match | iNFOnews.ca
Players argue with referee Michael Oliver after he sent off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelli, right, during the English Premier League soccer match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
Police investigating abuse of Premier League ref Michael Oliver after Wolves-Arsenal match | iNFOnews.ca
Players argue with referee Michael Oliver after he sent off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelli during the English Premier League soccer match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
Police investigating abuse of Premier League ref Michael Oliver after Wolves-Arsenal match | iNFOnews.ca
Players argue with referee Michael Oliver after he sent off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelli during the English Premier League soccer match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
Police investigating abuse of Premier League ref Michael Oliver after Wolves-Arsenal match | iNFOnews.ca
Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelli leaves the pitch after being sent off during the English Premier League soccer match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
Police investigating abuse of Premier League ref Michael Oliver after Wolves-Arsenal match | iNFOnews.ca
Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta gestures during the English Premier League soccer match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.