The PGMOL have released a statement condemning abuse and threats directed at referee Michael Oliver following the clash between Arsenal and Wolves.
It sparked from a controversial match at Molineux, which saw two players sent off and a late winner by the time the final whistle was blown.
The first of those controversies came just before halftime as Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a red card for a trip on an opposition player.
It was deemed as serious foul play from the Arsenal man, due to the timing of the challenge and the height of the contact, though not everyone agreed with that call.
Wolves were later reduced to ten men as well as Joao Gomes was shown a red card for a second bookable offence.
With Riccardo Calafiori going on to score a winner, it was Arsenal who ran out relieved winners in the Midlands.
There were, however, some unsavoury scenes on social media aimed at the referee once the game was finished.
- READ MORE: Forget Calafiori, one Arsenal star was the real match-winner for Mikel Arteta against Wolves
PGMOL release statement on Michael Oliver abuse after Arsenal clash with Wolves
While some fans were frustrated, there was no place for the abuse that some took it to with Michael Oliver after the game.
Reports of abuse and threats aimed towards the referee and his family overstepped the mark, with the PGMOL releasing a statement on the situation, confirming that the police are actively investigating the situation.
Taking to social media, the statement from the refereeing body said: “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 police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced. We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.
“Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times. We will continue to support all investigations.”
Support for referees
Without referees, there simply is no football. For one of the most important positions on the pitch, with some of the most pressure, it’s a difficult job.
At the centre of the pitch is a person who has to make those decisions, ones that not everyone will agree with.
In an age of mental health awareness, even more support is needed to ensure that referees can be in the right environment to do their job to the best of their abilities.
Charities such as Ref Support are speaking up to try and offer more support to those who take charge of matches with the whistle, highlighting the difficulty of the job and just how important it is that these people are given the right resources to work while also being in the spotlight under such scrutiny.
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