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Referee under fire for contentious decisions as Liverpool and Everton fans voice grievances; Oliver’s Newcastle allegiance adds further restrictions to his role....READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE | READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE...
Michael Oliver, one of the Premier League’s most experienced referees, has found himself at the center of controversy following his performance in Tuesday’s heated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool. The match ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, but Oliver’s decisions have sparked outrage among fans and led to questions about his future involvement in games involving the two clubs.
Liverpool supporters were particularly vocal about Oliver’s refusal to award a foul on Mohamed Salah in the build-up to James Tarkowski’s injury-time equalizer for Everton. Additionally, grievances were raised over the free-kick that led to Everton’s first goal, while some Everton fans argued they should have been awarded a penalty for a disputed handball by Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate.
The drama didn’t end with the final whistle. Oliver was forced to send off Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones after they sparked a mass brawl. Liverpool manager Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown red cards for their involvement in the post-match chaos.
As a result of the fallout, Oliver has been temporarily removed from officiating matches involving Liverpool. However, this isn’t the only restriction on his duties. Oliver, a lifelong Newcastle United supporter, is permanently barred from refereeing games involving the Magpies or their fierce rivals, Sunderland.
Oliver’s connection to Newcastle runs deep. He once played at the junior level for the club, though he admitted in a 2019 interview with the Daily Mail that he lacked the dedication to pursue a professional playing career. “I had a bit of talent,” he said, “but I didn’t like putting the hard work in as a player.”
His allegiance to Newcastle means he cannot officiate any matches involving Sunderland either, even though the Black Cats currently compete in the Championship. Under new manager Regis Le Bris, Sunderland are enjoying a strong season and sit fourth in the table, raising the possibility of a Premier League return next season—and with it, the revival of the fiery Tyne & Wear derby.
For now, Oliver will serve as the VAR official for Brighton’s Premier League clash against Chelsea on Monday night, as confirmed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). However, it remains unclear when he will next take charge of a Liverpool match, as the fallout from the Merseyside derby continues to simmer.
Oliver’s situation highlights the delicate balance referees must strike in a league where fan passion and club loyalties run deep. As he steps back from the spotlight, the debate over his decisions—and the broader implications of referees’ personal allegiances—shows no signs of fading.
