Arsenal fans have been left frustrated with officials in recent seasons, but none perhaps more than referee Michael Oliver.
The match official has had plenty of controversial moments when taking charge of the Gunners, something that can come with the territory.
Having refereed Arsenal the second-most out of any team in his career, Oliver was likely to give away some unpopular decisions both for and against the side.
However, in recent seasons, fans have been increasingly agitated by the lack of consistency shown in some calls made.
So with that said, here’s a look at the five most controversial decisions Michael Oliver has made against Arsenal.
Myles Lewis-Skelly red card vs Wolves – January 2025
One of the more recent decisions, Oliver frustrated Arsenal yet again by producing a baffling red card for the side.
In a trip away to Wolves at Molineux, Arsenal academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly attempted to stop a counter-attack by tripping up an opposition player.
It wasn’t a denial of a clear goal-scoring opportunity, due to the distance from goal as it occurred just outside the Wolves box.
Rather, Oliver appeared to award a foul and a red card for serious foul play, due to contact being made above the ankle.
Many disagreed with the call though, not least as it’s a fairly common foul seen in the modern game in transition.
Double Mateo Kovacic red card snub – October 2023
Two confusing decisions from Michael Oliver in the same Arsenal game came from the clash with Manchester City in October 2023.
Mateo Kovacic was not shown a straight red card for serious foul play, despite making clear contact on Martin Odegaard above the ankle.
The midfielder was simply awarded a yellow card, but could – and perhaps should – have been sent off again later.
Kovacic arrived late, while booked in the same match, on Declan Rice but somehow got away with not being shown another yellow card.
Leandro Trossard red card vs Man City – September 2024
Another controversial one against Manchester City saw Oliver pull out another red card against Arsenal.
Leandro Trossard, just moments after the referee’s whistle blew for a foul, cleared the ball down the pitch to stop an attack.
Already on a booking, Oliver pulled out a second yellow for delaying the restart, sending the forward off.
Following on from Declan Rice’s red card for a similar offence earlier in the season, frustration only grew for the Gunners.
Gabriel Martinelli red card vs Wolves – February 2022
Another of the more bizarre decisions saw Gabriel Martinelli shown two yellow cards in the same passage of play against Wolves.
The Brazilian appeared to commit two fouls in the process of stopping a counter-attack, leading to Oliver producing two cautions.
In one of the more bizarre calls, it’s a moment that Arsenal fans still reference to this very day.
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