Arsenal Football Club has been fined £65,000 by an independent regulatory commission after failing to ensure their players behaved appropriately towards referee Michael Oliver during a recent Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The incident occurred following the controversial sending-off of Arsenal’s young midfielder, Myles Lewis-Skelly, in the 65th minute of the game.
The commission’s written reasons for the decision emphasized that the focus of the case was not on the validity of Oliver’s decision to dismiss Lewis-Skelly, which was later overturned, but on the improper conduct of Arsenal’s players in the aftermath.
The report stated, “Football matches are invariably peppered with controversial refereeing decisions, and it is incumbent upon football clubs to ensure their players accept those decisions, even when they believe a mistake has been made.”
The commission dismissed Arsenal’s attempts to use the overturned red card as a mitigating factor, stating that the correctness of the referee’s decision was irrelevant to the matter of player misconduct.
The club was found to have breached FA Rule E20.1, which requires teams to ensure their players and staff behave in an orderly fashion and refrain from confronting match officials.
This fine serves as a reminder to all clubs of their responsibility to maintain discipline and respect towards referees, regardless of contentious decisions.
The FA has been increasingly stringent in enforcing rules around player behavior, particularly in light of recent incidents involving confrontations with officials.
Arsenal has yet to issue a public statement regarding the fine, but the incident has sparked debate among fans and pundits about the pressure on referees and the need for greater respect in the game.
The club will hope to put the matter behind them as they focus on their upcoming fixtures in a tightly contested Premier League season.
Michael Oliver and his controversies
Michael Oliver, one of England’s most prominent, has officiated at the highest levels of football, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and international tournaments.
While he is widely respected, his career has not been without controversy.
Diaspora Digital Media chronicles some of the most notable incidents involving Oliver:
*1. 2018: Juventus vs. Real Madrid – Last-Minute Penalty Decision
In the 2018 UEFA Champions League quarter-final, Oliver awarded Real Madrid a last-minute penalty after Juventus defender Medhi Benatia fouled Lucas Vázquez.
The decision led to Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the decisive goal, eliminating Juventus.
Juventus players and fans were furious, claiming the decision was harsh.
Gianluigi Buffon, Juventus’ goalkeeper, was sent off for his vehement protests and later criticized Oliver, saying he had a “rubbish bin for a heart.”
*2. 2019: Manchester City vs. Tottenham – VAR Drama
During a dramatic Champions League quarter-final second leg, Oliver disallowed a late Manchester City goal scored by Raheem Sterling for offside after a VAR review.
The decision knocked City out of the competition.
While the decision was technically correct, the emotional rollercoaster for fans and players sparked debates about the use of VAR and its impact on the game’s flow.
*3. 2020: Arsenal vs. Burnley – Red Card for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Oliver sent off Arsenal’s captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, for a dangerous tackle on Burnley’s Ashley Westwood.
Many felt the red card was harsh, as Aubameyang’s challenge was deemed reckless but not malicious. The decision divided pundits and fans, with some arguing it was an overreaction.
*4. 2021: Liverpool vs. Everton – Jordan Pickford’s Challenge on Virgil van Dijk
Oliver was criticized for not sending off Everton’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, after a reckless challenge on Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, which resulted in a serious knee injury for the defender.
VAR did not intervene, and Oliver’s decision not to penalize Pickford further angered Liverpool fans, who felt the incident was mishandled.
*5. 2022: Chelsea vs. Tottenham – Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte Clash
Oliver was at the center of a heated London derby where both managers, Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte, were sent off for clashing on the touchline.
While Oliver’s handling of the managers’ behavior was praised, some questioned his control of the game, which saw multiple contentious decisions and fiery confrontations.
*6. 2023: Arsenal vs. Wolves – Myles Lewis-Skelly Red Card
Oliver sent off Arsenal’s young midfielder, Myles Lewis-Skelly, in a match against Wolves.
The decision was later overturned, but Arsenal were fined for their players’ misconduct towards Oliver.
The incident reignited debates about refereeing standards and player behavior towards officials.
*2025: Everton vs. Liverpool
A freekick awarded to The Toffees which led to the opening goal by Everton’s Beto was suspicious.
The drama continued in stoppage time when Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate appeared in the buildup to Everton’s James Tarkowski goal in the dying minutes of the game.
Oliver dismissed Liverpool’s appeals, and VAR did not intervene, leaving Liverpool furious.
Oliver dished out four red cards to Liverpool’s Arne Slot, assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff, Cody Gakpo, and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure, were all sent off after the final whistle.