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.

Photo: Matchday Images

FabianMalyon added 08:48 - Jan 29 I'm sure the Portman Road faithful will be supportive and kind to all the officials this weekend.
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BerksBlue15 added 09:17 - Jan 29 never understood this. players miss penalties, misplace passes, let a shot go through their hands, score own goals etc etc all the time - these are "mistakes" which happen in sport. yet if a referee, also a human being, makes even the smallest error, they get death threats? that is just ridiculous and hope he and his family are OK
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runningout added 09:37 - Jan 29 who gives a toilet brush who the referee is Games gone! :-)
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Alphawhiskey added 09:52 - Jan 29 I don't have an issue with him. It wasn't a red that's for sure. Some the ref decisions this season have been awful though this season. (Unless you are Man City of course) The attack on Walton and Chappers being chopped down are two that clearly went against us. Saying that though, Morsey has been lucky a couple of times this season. As long as this ref lets the game flow and is fair for both teams thats ok COYB!!

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Razor added 17:57 - Jan 29 Blues 1 you are spot on-----Oliver always one om favourite refereesand no reason to change-lets give him a special Ipswich welcome on Saturday where real and fair football fans still exist
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poet added 07:27 - Jan 30 It could have been Tim Robinson who was appointed for Saturday’s game. Remember him v Leicester? Turned down a blatant penalty when Chaplin was poleaxed in their area, then unfairly sends Philips off. After that totally inept ( better call it that) piece of refereeing, Ashton got Howard Webb to visit Portman Road for what I guess was an interesting conversation. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think Robinson has been given another Town game since…. I wonder why!

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