Referee Michael Oliver is under fire after a heated decision during Saturday’s Premier League match between Arsenal and Wolves. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the group responsible for officiating in English soccer, has spoken out against the “threats and abuse” directed at Oliver and his family following the game.

The controversy began when Oliver gave Arsenal’s young player, Myles Lewis-Skelly, a straight red card for a challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty. While many fans and pundits argued the foul deserved only a yellow, Oliver and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) deemed it “serious foul play,” leaving the decision unchanged.

The backlash was swift. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta didn’t hold back, calling the decision “absolutely fuming” and hinting at a possible appeal. Meanwhile, Premier League legend Alan Shearer slammed the call as “one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in a long time.”

But not everyone disagreed. Former referee Mike Dean backed Oliver, stating the challenge met the criteria for a red card, though he admitted Arsenal might win an appeal.

The PGMOL has since released a statement condemning the abuse aimed at Oliver, calling it “abhorrent” and confirming that police are now involved. “No official should face this kind of treatment,” the statement read. “We’re supporting Michael and his family and are determined to address this unacceptable behavior.”

Despite the drama, Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory, keeping their title hopes alive. But the fallout from Oliver’s decision is far from over, sparking debates about refereeing standards and the pressures officials face in the modern game.