Arsenal fans are concerned about the referee assigned for their next Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday.
The Gunners will be aiming to be at their absolute best against the reigning English champions. They will surely be craving to land a huge blow to Pep Guardiola’s title ambitions.
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The North London outfit finished as runner-ups in the past two seasons, marginally missing out on lifting the prestigious trophy.
Michael Oliver appointed as referee for Man City vs Arsenal
City have now got a huge boost for this contest as referee Michael Oliver has been officially chosen to oversee the weekend game (as revealed by PGMOL).
Oliver’s track record with both clubs has infuriated the fans, with many calling it a one-sided decision made by the PL in favour of the men in blue.
🚨 CONFIRMED: Michael Oliver will referee Arsenal’s title clash against Manchester City this Sunday. ✅
John Brooks will be on VAR. 📺 pic.twitter.com/AA0Mlee5YD
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) September 17, 2024
Last season, Mateo Kovacic escaped a red card after putting in an ugly-looking tackle on Martin Odegaard from behind. In the same game, he sent Gabriel Martinelli off for two fouls in just five seconds.
After the match, head of PGMOL, Howard Webb, said: “Michael Oliver doesn’t want to have a negative impact on the game by overreacting.”
Webb also had an interesting take while speaking about Declan Rice’s unfortunate red card vs Brighton and Hove Albion in game week three. He said:
“I’ve got no choice mate… and I’m gonna have to deal with it, aren’t I? I don’t like it, but he’s kicked the ball away.”
To add more fuel to the fire, referee Oliver has offered the fewest yellow cards to Man City when compared to the top eight clubs. He never handed them a red card in a game that he officiated.
Plus, he has awarded 11 penalties to Guardiola’s side whenever he is on the field. Oliver was also given £20,000 last year to officiate a game in the United Arab Emirates—the money being transferred by City Group owners.
Some facts about Michael Oliver:
💰 Olivier was paid £20,000 in 2023 to referee a game in UAE, funded by Man City owner
❌ Kovacic escaped a controversial red card from Oliver the last time the teams played each other
⚠️ Oliver has awarded fewer yellow cards to Man City…
— Mo (@Mo_Arsenal9) September 17, 2024
It is said that the reputed PL referee fears having a negative impact after receiving complaints from City before. In 2019, the men in blue complained about his decision-making in the game against Liverpool.
Things have changed since then, with Oliver favouring City time and again. It’s not an excuse but a concerning decision made by PGMOL.
Under Webb, the officiating has gotten even worse, with results being determined on their incompetence. A record number of yellow cards being thrown away by Anthony Taylor in the recent Bournemouth vs. Chelsea clash further highlights their awkward decision-making in such a reputed league.
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Obviously the PGMOL decided to act as per their interest, and we believe that the Premier League should intervene in such controversial matters.
As long as the referee makes the correct decision on the pitch, let’s just hope that Arteta’s men battle hard for all three points on Sunday.
