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The PGMOL has released a statement strongly condemning the abuse and threats directed at referee Michael Oliver following the Arsenal-Wolves match.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has issued a strong statement condemning the abuse directed at referee Michael Oliver and his family following Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. The abuse came in the wake of Oliver’s controversial decision to send off Myles Lewis-Skelly during the match.
In their statement, PGMOL emphasized that no official should be subjected to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Oliver and his family. They expressed their support for Oliver and condemned the behavior of those responsible for the abuse.
“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 statement read.
The statement also confirmed that the police are aware of the situation and have commenced several investigations into the abusive messages and threats. PGMOL assured that they are supporting Oliver and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behavior.
Oliver also sent off Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes for a second bookable offence shortly before Arsenal’s opener, although this decision appears to have had little impact on the outrage expressed by some supporters over the dismissal of 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly.
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