Referee Michael Oliver has become the target of severe online abuse and threats, including death threats, following his controversial officiation during Arsenal's match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 21, 2023. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) expressed their shock and disdain over the vile attacks aimed at Oliver and his family, which filled social media after the match.
During the game at Molineux Stadium, Oliver faced immense scrutiny when he showed Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal a red card for what he deemed serious foul play against Wolves' Matt Doherty. The decision was met with outrage, even after being reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) which upheld Oliver's action. PGMOL's Sunday statement clearly stated, "We are disgusted by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver after the Wolverhampton vs. Arsenal match. No official should be subjected to any form of abuse, let alone this vile attack aimed at Michael and his family over the last 24 hours."
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, expressed his disappointment but refrained from directly criticizing Oliver. Instead, he articulated his frustration, saying, "I am really upset." Arteta added, "If we can't change what happened (in the match), I hope at least it will be fair for the team and the players moving forward." Former England striker Alan Shearer commented on the incident, labeling Oliver's red card decision as "one of the worst decisions I’ve seen for quite some time." This level of criticism highlights the intensity of the debate surrounding refereeing decisions at this level of football.
After the game, PGMOL acknowledged the issue of threats against referees isn't unprecedented. They stated, "Unfortunately, this isn't the first time officials have had to deal with threats lately." Police have been informed and investigations are now underway, as the football community rallies to support Oliver. The Premier League joined PGMOL's condemnation, asserting, "No referee should be subjected to this kind of abuse. We support Michael, PGMOL, and all investigations."
This latest incident raises broader concerns about the treatment of referees, which has become increasingly alarming. During 2021, another prominent referee, Mike Dean, temporarily stepped back from officiation duties after receiving death threats related to controversial decisions he made during matches. Incidents like these not only frighten those involved but also pose existential questions about the culture of football and respect for officials.
The violent expressions of anger directed toward Oliver reflect the toxicity circulating within sections of football fandom, particularly when results hinge on contentious refereeing calls. Oliver is recognized as one of the UK's top referees, having officiated numerous high-stakes games, including the World Cup. PGMOL's support is not only for the sake of Oliver but also as part of their commitment to fostering safer environments for officials, which is increasingly needed as matches grow heated and passionate.
Looking forward, PGMOL’s supportive measures may bring about changes to how referees are protected, particularly as discussions on these issues intensify within football governance. The need for fan engagement and education remains imperative to pull away from violence and threats related to sports. It’s clear from the emotional fallout of this latest episode involving Michael Oliver, the stakes extend beyond sport—into the domain of personal safety and societal respect.