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Concerns Over Referee Safety Amid Social Media Threats

Following a recent match that involved controversial officiating, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) announced that authorities are looking into “threats and abuse” aimed at referee Oliver and his family on social platforms. This statement highlights a growing concern regarding the safety and treatment of officials in the sport.

Shortly after facing intense scrutiny, Oliver returned to the pitch, overseeing Southampton’s 2-1 victory against Ipswich just a week after the incident where he sent off player Lewis-Skelly.

Oliver’s next assignment took him into the spotlight of a high-stakes encounter, as he officiated the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool on February 12. This match, notable for its fierce rivalry, ended in a 2-2 draw and was marked by significant moments in officiating.

In the derby, which was the last hosted at Goodison Park before Everton’s relocation to Bramley-Moore Dock, Oliver issued red cards to Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure after the match concluded. The dismissal occurred following a clash between the two players, escalating when Doucoure celebrated near the opposing fans.

The match ended in further controversy as both Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot and assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff were also shown red cards by Oliver, contributing to an already chaotic climax.

Reflecting on the broader implications of these events, PGMOL chief Howard Webb articulated serious concerns regarding the nature of the threats faced by Oliver and his family. “Nobody should be subject to threats, nor should their families. This applies to officials and players alike,” Webb remarked when discussing the social media fallout that followed Oliver’s decision in the previous match. He emphasized the troubling nature of such hostility, stating, “It’s really disappointing.”

Webb further noted that while fans may disagree with referees’ decisions—a natural part of competitive sports—criticism should remain constructive. He expressed dismay at how the backlash escalated to threats against the officiating staff and their loved ones, calling the situation “wholly unacceptable.”

The issue of referee safety is paramount in sports, and as incidents like this arise, it becomes increasingly important to address the culture surrounding sportsmanship and the treatment of officials.

Source
www.bbc.com