PGMOL Decries Aggression Directed at Referee Michael Oliver

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The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) is deeply shocked and outraged by the recent threats and abuse flown at respected referee Michael Oliver and his family. These despicable behaviors arose following Oliver’s officiating in the Premier League match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 25, 2025.

Oliver gave Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly a red card for a 43rd-minute foul on Wolves’ Matt Doherty during the fixture. After an exhaustive Video Assistant Referee (VAR) examination, the ruling, considered as grievous foul play, was confirmed. Notwithstanding the procedural correctness of the call, Oliver and his family have since been under heinous attack, including death threats.

PGMOL in an official statement said: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture. Absolutely no official, let alone the terrible assaults directed at Michael and his family in the last 24 hours, should be treated in any way. Aware of the situation, the policemen and a… . We are behind Michael….”

The organization stressed that this is not isolated, therefore drawing attention to a worrying trend of match official threats. PGMOL remains resolute in its dedication to protecting the well-being of its officials and will keep cooperating with police agencies to tackle and eliminate such actions.

Multiple probes are now in progress to discover and punish the perpetrators of these threats; law enforcement agencies have been informed. Further help is being given by officials to Oliver and his family throughout these trying times.

After a high-profile UEFA Champions League game in 2018, Oliver and his wife, Lucy, suffered abuse similar to that in this case. Then, after her cellphone number was published online, threatening emails sent to Lucy Oliver were investigated by police.

The soccer world has come behind Oliver in his cause. Condemning the abuse, the Premier League declared that no official should suffer such treatment. Keith Hackett, former PGMOL head, said that Oliver might benefit from a short break as a result of the mistake and slammed both him and VAR official Darren England for their part in the decision.

Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, expressed his disappointment with the red card decision, which was the fourth expulsion of the team. He said, “We will look at the pictures and decide the best course of action”—indicating the club’s will to appeal the ruling.

PGMOL emphasizes its constant support of Michael Oliver and any match officials maintaining the game’s integrity. The association urges all stakeholders—clubs, players, and spectators—to create a respectful setting and condemn any sort of abuse or threats aimed at match referees.