Michael Oliver, the subject of online abuse and threats after red-carding Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly during the Gunners’ game against Wolves at the weekend, will be in charge of the Blues’ crucial home match against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
Oliver, 39, dismissed Lewis-Skelly for a foul on Matt Doherty not far outside his own area as Wolves broke away, a decision VAR upheld but which was subsequently widely criticised and
has now been overturned by an FA independent regulatory commission.
The red card led to online abuse and death threats aimed at Oliver, which the referees’ association, the PGMOL, condemned in a statement.
"We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver,” the statement reads. "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.”
The Premier League also issued a statement: "The Premier League strongly condemns the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver.
"No official should be subject to any form of abuse. We will continue to support Michael, PGMOL and all investigations.”
Oliver, who was last at Portman Road for the 2-0 defeat to Everton, will be assisted by Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring with the fourth official James Linington, the VAR official Jarred Gillett and his assistant Adam Nunn.