Michael Oliver, fresh in his controversial performance on Saturday, was appointed referee of the Barcelona Champions League match with Atalanta on Wednesday evening.
The Newcastle official sent the Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal to Molinine for a challenge on the lateral back of Wolves Matt Doherty while he was moving away from his own penalty zone.
Oliver judged the challenge of being a “serious game” and was supported by Var Darren England despite the challenge that seems to deserve a yellow card at worst.
18 games in one night 🤯
Wednesday 🍿#Ucl pic.twitter.com/oqjimiwh2g
– UEFA Champions League (@championsleague) January 27, 2025
Arteta smoking after the match
The boss of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, “furious” after the match and expects the red card to be overturned without the need to call on the club.
Meanwhile, the BBC submarine, Alan Shearer, labeled the decision “one of the worst that I have seen for a long time”.
The former captain of England said: “As an arbitrator, you can go wrong on the field, you might see something that is incorrect.
“How Diable Darren England, the Var,” thinks that the referee did well and it is not necessary to send it to the screen.
“One of the worst decisions I have seen for a long time.
I just can’t see and determine what Var thinks when I went hand in with Michael Oliver’s decision.
“Not surprising that it is criticized by so many people.”
Oliver Abuse condemned
The body of referee PGMOL published a statement last night condemning the abuses intended for Oliver and his family following the game in Molinine.
Pgmol declaration ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/go2gvnszfk
– Pgmol (@fa_pgmol) January 26, 2025
He said: “We are dismayed by threats and abuses intended for Michael Oliver after the Wolverhampton Wanderers match against Arsenal. No civil servant should be subject to any form of abuse, not to mention the odious attacks aimed at Michael and his family in the last 24 hours.
“The police are aware and a number of surveys have started. We support Michael and all those affected, and are determined to fight against this unacceptable behavior. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that a match manager has been forced to deal with threats lately. »»
Oliver heads for Catalonia
Despite the fury of the weekend, Oliver is still considered one of the best officials of the Premier League and he will take care of the link in the middle of the week.
England will be Jarred Gillett’s Var assistant for the same match.
Barça has already progressed automatically at 16 floors, but the fate of Atalanta has not yet been determined.
The winners of the Europa League are seventh in the table, but just one point ahead of six teams per point behind.
Aston Villa, ninth, could be the team to capitalize on any shift in Atalanta while they welcome Celtic to Villa Park.
