Liverpool NewsMichael Oliver suspended from officiating matches amid controversy over Liverpool’s red card decision..

Michael Oliver is facing a suspension from officiating due to recent controversies, especially those involving Liverpool and Arsenal fans.

The Merseyside derby ended in an exciting 2-2 draw after James Tarkowski’s last-minute equalizer for Everton. However, much of the focus was on referee Michael Oliver’s controversial decisions during the match.

In the final derby at Goodison Park, both Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure were shown red cards after the match ended, along with Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff.

The FA has charged both clubs and Slot for their conduct.

Oliver has been involved in multiple controversies this season, including a recent incident that angered Arsenal supporters.

A review of Oliver’s controversial moments has led to the matches he is prohibited from officiating.

Prohibited matches

As a Newcastle supporter, Oliver is not allowed to officiate any games involving his hometown club.

Despite being one of the Premier League’s top referees, the 39-year-old avoids officiating Newcastle matches to prevent accusations of bias.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, he said, “We must disclose any allegiance to a club or if a family member is associated with one.”

Additionally, he cannot referee matches involving Newcastle’s rivals, Sunderland, for “obvious reasons.” He explained, “If Newcastle needed a point to stay up and the team they were competing against was, for instance, Villa, I wouldn’t want to referee Villa’s game. It’s simply not worth the trouble.”

Myles Lewis-Skelly incident

Oliver’s year has been turbulent, particularly after issuing a controversial red card to Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly for a challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.

This decision sparked considerable backlash, resulting in online harassment directed at Oliver and his family.

The red card was later overturned on appeal, leading former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett to suggest that referee Michael Oliver take a break from officiating.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the 80-year-old former referee commented, “This is a significant mistake that one would not expect from the top referee. He was in close proximity to the incident.”

Hackett added, “I believe he needs operational guidance. I would advise Michael Oliver to take some time off, and I doubt he will officiate another Premier League match for a few weeks.”

In the Merseyside derby, tensions increased as Oliver made several contentious calls. After Tarkowski’s dramatic equalizer, confirmed by a lengthy VAR review, chaos unfolded at the final whistle.

Doucoure’s celebration in front of Liverpool supporters triggered a mass confrontation, leading to red cards for both him and Jones, with Slot and Hulshoff also dismissed for their actions toward Oliver.

Liverpool expressed their anger over the failure to call a foul against Beto before the equalizer.

The situation is still unfolding, even though Slot has apologized for his behavior. Initially, the Premier League announced a two-match suspension for Slot but later withdrew that statement.

The FA has now charged Slot for allegedly behaving improperly and/or using insulting and/or abusive language toward both the match referee and an assistant referee after the match ended.

It’s worth noting that a red card issued to staff does not automatically result in a touchline ban for a coach.

The FA is currently reviewing Oliver’s report and video evidence before deciding on any further actions, including the possibility of touchline bans.