Michael Oliver, fresh from his controversial performance on Saturday, has been named the referee for Barcelona’s Champions League game with Atalanta on Wednesday night.
The Newcastle official sent off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly at Molineux for a challenge on Wolves full-back Matt Doherty as he surged away from his own penalty area.
Oliver deemed the challenge to be ‘serious foul play’ and he was backed by VAR Darren England despite the challenge appearing to merit a yellow card at worst.
18 games in one night 🤯
Wednesday 🍿#UCL pic.twitter.com/OQjiMiwH2G
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 27, 2025
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Arteta fuming after the game
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was ‘fuming’ after the game and expects the red card to be overturned without the need for the club to appeal.
Meanwhile, BBC pundit Alan Shearer labelled the decision “one of the worst I have seen in a long time”.
The former England captain said: “As a referee you can get it wrong on the pitch, you might see something which is incorrect.
“How on earth Darren England, the VAR, thinks that the referee has got that right and there is no need to send him to the screen.
“One of the worst decisions that I’ve seen in a long time.
I just cannot see and work out what VAR is thinking going along with Michael Oliver’s decision.
“No wonder it gets criticised by so many people.”
Oliver abuse condemned
Refereeing body PGMOL released a statement last night condemning the abuse aimed at Oliver and his family in the aftermath of the game at Molineux.
PGMOL Statement ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Go2gVNSzfk
— PGMOL (@FA_PGMOL) January 26, 2025
It 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.”
Oliver heading to Catalonia
Despite the weekend furore, Oliver is still regarded as one of the Premier League’s top officials and he will take charge of the plum midweek tie.
England will be the assistant VAR to Jarred Gillett for the same fixture.
Barca have already advanced to the round of 16 stage automatically but Atalanta’s fate is yet to be determined.
The Europa League winners are seventh in the table, but just a point ahead of six teams a point behind.
Ninth-placed Aston Villa could be the team to capitalise on any Atalanta slip up as they host Celtic at Villa Park.
