Arsenal have been on the receiving end of several controversial refereeing decisions throughout this campaign, and the most frustrating aspect of these calls is that we’ve rarely, if ever, seen similar decisions given since. Take William Saliba’s foul on Joao Pedro, which led to Brighton being awarded a penalty weeks ago—never again this season, and possibly beyond, will you see a penalty given for a clash of heads. Looking further back, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice were harshly sent off for kicking the ball away, and incidents like that have hardly been seen again. While we might have already written those decisions off as isolated and not worth overthinking, the latest controversy involving Myles Lewis-Skelly has arguably been the worst.
The decision to send off Lewis-Skelly has sparked fan outrage unprecedented this season. Even rival fans and pundits have called out the decision for its absurdity. You know the call is bad when figures like Jamie O’Hara publicly criticise it as a mistake.
Looking at the referee who decided on the pitch, Michael Oliver, this isn’t the first time—either this season or in previous ones—that he’s sent off an Arsenal player in questionable circumstances. As some may recall, Oliver was also the official who sent off Leandro Trossard against Manchester City earlier this season in another controversial incident. Astonishingly, this latest dismissal marks the eighth time Oliver has shown an Arsenal player a red card during his 55 matches officiating the club (stat via WhoScored). This tally is significantly higher than any other club he has refereed, with Everton and Tottenham coming next at five each. Surprisingly, Oliver has shown just one red card to Liverpool and none to Manchester City, despite officiating both clubs in 50 or more matches.
Crunching the numbers, Arsenal’s tally works out to approximately one red card every 6.8 games. Now, while I’m not someone who subscribes to the idea of the PGMOL having an agenda against us, those figures are undeniably suspicious. Whether they’re suspicious enough to warrant an investigation is another matter entirely, but at this stage, such a notion wouldn’t seem far-fetched.
I’ll leave it for you Gooners to ponder over, thoughts in the comments.
BENJAMIN KENNETH
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When viewed in cold hard stats, it doesn’t look very pretty.
The last two given by Oliver were ridiculous to my mind – trossard kicked the ball away basically at the whistle and got a second booking, and MLS got a red for a tactical foul for which the studs were very slightly high, but there was no intent and no real force behind it. Both incidents indicate to me a complete lack of willingness to give players the benefit of the doubt, and neither would have been controversial had he not given the reds.
The rice one, I think made sense. People don’t seem to want to see how he looked across and intentionally prevented the player taking the free kick, and the saliba penalty mentioned in the article (which I think was a different referee?) was pretty straightforward to me – head headbutted the other player, unintentionally, but I don’t see how it’s any different from a normal foul with the feet, except more dangerous if anything. Other player got there first and got clattered. I find it bewildering how anyone disagrees with it, but hey ho.
Anyway, I *am* annoyed by the trossard and MLS red cards and do think Oliver does deserve some sort of reprimand from his superiors.
Regarding the stats, I don’t remember all the previous games or red cards, but from the most recent 3 reds, I’d say one was fine and two were a joke, which is concerning.
I rather an investigation into the fans who are sending him and his family abuse first ?
Why not both at the same time? Even if you do not subscribe to the reality that there is and always has been a bias against Arsenal or for Manchester clubs, when there are hard facts and data such as in this case shouldn’t you have an open mind about it?
Are you trying to make sense to Dan?
Haven’t you noticed that he will always pour cold water on anything positive about the club or anything that goes the club’s way?
I was laughing when reading how Ken1945 was debating with him yesterday and asking myself if Ken doesn’t know who he’s debating with.
A person who will always readily call white black isn’t worth my time for a debate (I say that with all respect).
That’s a completely separate issue Dan and one that takes the pressure away from Mr Oliver and the PGMOL who backed his decision but now have around 99% of the footballing world disagreeing with them.
My good friend Phil (PAL to those who remember him) sent me an article from the Le Grove website and that is worth reading.
Of course we all condemn this keyboard warrior type of nonsense and I hope the culprits are caught, named, shamed and banned from every ground in the country.
Now, let’s get back to the stats involving Mr Oliver and his one off, never to be seen again, decisions against our club.
Dont think I’m the one who needs to separate the two mate .
There are Arsenal fans who have felt the need to threaten and abuse another human and his family because. … .they disagree with a red card
Like I said , im not the one who needs to separate the two
I hope Arsenal act with class and release a statement
Let’s just be clear Liverpool deserve to be where they are. You are far and away the best and most consistent team in the country.But you’ve been comparatively lucky with injuries to key players and been refereed very favourably compared to Arsenal this season. I have seen Van Dijk kick players twice in key games without being penalised and if that had been an Arsenal player he would have been red carded twice this season and ..you ain’t the same team without him.
If that’s even happening. Perfect way to divert attention, no?
I would like to see some evidence.
Or are they are trying to paint “Oliver is a bumbling buffoon” posts as “abuse”.
An extremely thorough investigation needs to take place into the abuse he and his family are encountering. A current investigation also needs to take place regarding Oliver himself as well as all other officials from A to Z by impartial authorities. imo, the state of officiating in the PL cannot be simply written off as widespread incompetence of these highly trained professionals.
But you need evidence
If I go into work and say to manager I want you to investigate something
They will say what evidence do you have
So again I ask why evidence do you have that Mr Oliver is on purpose making decisions to cost Arsenal ?
You don’t need evidence to investigate.
Suspicious patterns are used to investigate players for betting.
Oliver has a suspicious pattern in Arsenal matches which can no longer be ignored.
uh, “an extremely thorough investigation” Jeez, I wish if you replied to my comment you would at least read it and try to comprehend what I’m writing.
Dan you say we need evidence.
Bruised Banana is saying that there should be a complete investigation for all officials.
The evidence as I see it is, that week in, week out the officials are so inconsistent in there decisions.
Look at the Aston Villa v West Ham game for instance. The West Ham player gets booked for kicking the ball away. Then in the second half he made a tackle that warranted a clear second yellow card. You then hear the commentator say that had he not been booked in the first half, he would have been booked for that.
If that’s the case, then the referee has a case to answer in that instance. If the said player is stupid enough to mane a tackle like this player did, knowing he’s already on a yellow card. Then that’s his look out.
That’s just one example of the inconsistencies that we see week after week.
And I agree with Bruised Banana, the powers that be need to have a meeting with the referee’s to remind them of the rules, because it seems to me, that they only apply them when they feel like it half the time.
No mate I agree investigating all officials for their performance and especially VAR
I meant we cant investigate one reff for this idea he’s purposely deliberately hurting Arsenal
He clarified it’s not just Arsenal or pre determined
Hello DEREK
😁
What is unarguable is that the red cards Oliver gave to Rice Trossard and MLS have not been seen before and won’t be seen again this season in the EPL unless Oliver referees another Arsenal game. They have cost Arsenal points and with those points we would be much closer to Liverpool.
But that’s not always is it and yes I seen players booked for kicking ball away so Rice and Trossard I have zero sympathy
He last season was sent to the monitor and told there was a handball
How often when officials go to screen do they reverse their decision?
He stuck with it his decision
Guess which game ? Arsenal vs Everton
Yet there’s a conspiracy
Go on then.
Give us another example of the Rice instance.
And give us an instance where a player gets a red from time wasting where they kicked the ball even closer to the whistle than Trossard’s kick.
Give you an example where a player gets a yellow card for kicking the ball away ?
Loads
No, give us an example of something actually similar.
1) Free-kick is in a defensive area of the pitch without any attacking threat.
2) Free-kick taker kicks the defending player (without even attempting to kick the ball).
3) Free-kick taker tries to take free-kick despite ball still moving.
4) Free-kick taker moves the ball up 2 meters
5) Free-kick taker throws the ball at attacking player
Mate I’ll ask anyone question but you keep changing it
Your original question was
Give us another example of the Rice instance
Answer even lol
I asked for an example of the Rice incident, NOT a generic time wasting incident. You moved the goalposts because you know the only examples that exist look nothing like the Rice incident and have far more merit. I listed 5 key attributes that individually would stop 90% of refs from even considering a 2nd yellow. All 5 is actually ludicrous.
I literally answered mate
There are loads of examples of players getting a yellow card for kicking the ball away
Rice got a yellow for kicking the ball away
You asked give example of the Rice instance so I name a player booked for kicking ball away and that’s moving the goal posts ?
You not agreeing he kicked the ball or should have been booked is not the same as other players have not been booked for kicking the ball away
I gone through that months ago , I can see why he was booked I’m afraid
You’re either a troll or thick as a brick.
Mate I suggest you scroll down and read the rules of this site
And Ken mate that right there is why it’s important I remind people about abuse
Unless your young Bob , your a grown man calling someone as thick as a brick because ( say it out loud ) I don’t agree with you over a yellow card
Bit silly of Bob I agree Dan, but your not comparing that with the abuse given to Mr Oliver are you?
In the “good old days” that Dan kit wants back, that wouldn’t have been mentioned and my old friend Jon Fox, with his array of words such as dullards, dross etc etc would have laughed Bob out of court as a juvenile something or other.
Not on a 2nd Yellow, and I can give multiple examples of player being on a Yellow already but not seeing Red
Maybe when your on a yellow most players don’t kick the ball away ?
Thats what I said, there is alot of examples where a player is on a yellow, kicks the ball away and NO red shown. Why has it only happened to Arsenal (and twice)?
Oh I have not seen many mate
Not when a player is already on a yellow
I have also seen Arsenal players kick ball away and not be booked
I’m one of these though who don’t think Rice or Trossard’s yellows were as bad as Saturday’s
If you don’t wear a seatbelt and get away with it
If I then get caught doing the same but say to the police / judge but my friend got away with it…..do you think they would listen ?
Dan, imo Trossard’s second yellow was fairly close to being as bad of a call. Of course, Chris Kavanagh made the calls on Rice so it may play in to the overall discussion of officiating in the PL but certainly not Oliver in that case.
Yeah mates that’s cool
I’m not trying to change anyone opinion.
I can only answer what I’m asked
Dan – try to read what he actually wrote will ya?
He suggested an investigation. The purpose of an investigation is… to gather evidence. Duh.
Your constant use of weak debating tactics is wearing tbh. Either address the actual point or do the other thing, eh?
An investigation into his decisions correct ?
No. Wrong. Read what he actually wrote.
Most people wanting one or more investigations want something wider – such as the post you responded to (and misunderstood).
Use the Highlight Thread button and then read what he actually wrote.
Michael Oliver should be suspended from marches involving Arsenal fc
An investigation needs to take place. It has cost us points and potentially silverware! Where are the supporters of the red card that was given to mls? Now pundits and fans from other clubs said it should not have been a red. Smh
But Man City had terrible decisions against them as well ?
So did it cost them silverware?
Can you clarified what were those terrible decisions against Man City that you mention?
Off top of my head
Last season they are drawing at home with Spurs and they get a free kick , told they can take it
Moment reff realizes they are through on goal reff pulls it back
Season before Rashford offside in Manchester Derby ( VAR don’t get involved )
Can name a few big decisosn against them at Anfield and in CL against Spurs as well
Maybe we need an investigation?
Name me another club lol
Pulling play back is not in the same league as these red cards lol.
Nor with the same frequency, nor is there any suggestion that one individual is responsible for a disproportionate number of them – especially when compared to the number that person gets wrong against other teams.
Not what he asked
He asked
Give us another example of the Rice instance.
So the instance was Rice got a yellow for kicking the ball away
So for example if I said to you Rashford got a yellow card for kicking the ball away that’s what he asked for
What your saying is , I don’t like it Dan that you can answer the question please can you stop lol
Yet another wriggly-squirmy post by you – “pulling play back” was (obviously 🙄) responding to your post.
If you think that’s not relevant to the discussion then you shouldn’t have mentioned it.
This is like trying to have a discussion in kindergarten. 😖
Question was
Can you clarified what were those terrible decisions against Man City that you mention?
Answer given lol
Ane yes those two decisions against City were worse then a yellow card for kicking ball away
Dan, were any of the decisions your citing overturned?
As I note you say you will answer ANY question, are you going to apologise regarding those Liverpool fans you castigated after the CL final?
Just curious mate 👍
I generally don’t understand mate
If the reff awards a City free kick and Halland is through on goal and it’s then pulled back how can that be overturned ?
If Rashford is wrongly given a goal that was offside in the Derby how can that be overturned?
Or do you have mean something else ?
No, I mean exactly what I asked.
Let’s put it another way :
Have you ever seen a red card backed by VAR and the PGMOL rescinded before?
Surely that’s a plain and simple question to answer?
I guess it slipped your memory, so I’ll ask again, ask you said you’ll answer any question – is there an apology forthcoming regarding the Liverpool CL final?
That’s two very easy questions Dan and both could be answered with a single yes or no, but I know you usually like to go into a bit more detail. – over to you.
Question One = Yes or No
Question Two = Yes or No
Feel free to elaborate of course.
That’s my point mate lol.
I never said or disagreed with you about the PGMOL question
I seen many reds reversed but off top of my head no I don’t know what they said about each one
Question One answered, if a little bit weirdly.
Question Two??
Depends if on topic
It’s a debate tactic
When someone is struggling they try to be rude …..’ get a grip ….’ weirdly :
Notice how I don’t lol
Then when they are really struggling they try to bring up another topic lol
Key is not to entertain it
Dan, you are, very subtly, accusing me of not giving out full details regarding the abuse of Mr Oliver, something I take very seriously., so excuse me if you think I’M being rude!!
However, you asked me where you had said it and I supplied the answer – then you ignore it!!
As for it depends on the topic debate – why did you bring up Keane and quote what I said, as this topic is about Mr Oliver?
You can’t have it both ways and, as I answered your questions fully, as a courtesy I would expect you to answer mine.. unless, of course, you have something to hide, which I don’t believe for a second.
I felt Roy Keane was relevant as I noticed a pattern of when Arsenal fans are accused of something the source is doubted ( not by you but in general ) so was pointing out some fans will say that simply to protect Arsenal .
For example some fans claiming last season ‘ I never heard a bad chant at the Emirates’
Now you have a choice to answer any question mate as do I
Like I said when someone is struggling in a debate they will change topic so I rather ignore it
Anything to hide ?
A bit deep mate lol this is football
Changing the subject!
Is that why you popped in the piece about the abuse angle, when we were talking about you and your red card statement?
I agree it sounds a bit deep Dan, so why not just answer the question as I have done?
What is the problem mate?
By the way, I’ve given you the time I posted my reference to the petition and online abuse, so I’m interested as to when the BBC first published their findings, if only to put your mind at rest that I wasn’t misleading anyone.
Disagree I think if we are talking about M Oliver red card and Gooners reaction to it , the news that he was getting death threats is important .
From that moment it’s the priority of any platform to condemn it .
Listen to Arteta’s press conference today . He mostly spoke about the abuse being a disgrace and said nothing about the red card or the need to look into M Oliver
Yeah it’s up to you , I generally don’t know how to check what time they published article mate
I’m not very clever lol
Dan, that’s because he was asked directly about the abuse.
I have been on the BBC website and, unfortunately I can only find the date as the 26th.
However, it doesn’t give any specific details of the abuse, which, if I’m correct, you said they did – so there must be another updated article.
Anyway, I’m personally happy that I didn’t hold back any information intentionally or otherwise, as that’s not who I am.
Suffice it to say, that most people now know about it, but unlike you I haven’t got any specifics, not that that matters.
I think Mikel Arteta made his point regarding the red card after the match and it astounds me that the club still had to appeal against it.
However justice was duly served and I hope that that will be the case when the authorities find the morons who sent out these abusive messages
Yeah the BBC article two days ago says the BBC have been shown the threats and abuse which includes Mr Oliver’s address being handed out
Not accusing of you anything just think it’s crucial that if some are saying the accounts don’t exist to then point out main stream media are verifying these messages have happened
And credit to the man tomoz for managing Barcelona game and not letting these cowards win
Shows great mental strength that
Fair play
O.K. – An investigation into why terrible decisions have gone against Man City, Bournemouth, Spuds, Manure, or the Hammers. Or an investigation into why terrible decisions have favored Man City, Bournemouth, Spuds, Manure, or the Hammer, etc etc. The Point: An investigation of these highly trained professionals is needed unless the status quo is fine.
I agree if you want to investigate why officials are so bad at their job and especially why VAR don’t help
But that’s different to there is a conspiracy against Arsenal and this man has an agenda against us
He’s now getting threats over that outlook
Who mentioned “conspiracy”?
Why can’t it be simply the bias of one individual?
It could also be that there’s more than one “at it” and there could be many possible reasons – bias, money etc… that’s what an investigation might uncover.
What evidence do you have though ?
Once again (sigh). The purpose of an investigation is to search for evidence (in this case, of various possible problems).
If we had the evidence we wouldn’t need an investigation. Duh.
Surely that is blindingly obvious.
Neutral, well spotted.
It’s not just Dan, so often words are spun or added to change a narrative.
My very good friend and fellow Gooner (the I disagree one!) often accuses me of doing exactly that, then does it himself!!
It must be a human trait.
It’s a low debating tactic some people use – “setting up a straw man argument”…
Basically: misrepresent your opponent’s case in a way that makes it easy to debunk his position.
Obviously, they try to do it in a way so that people don’t notice the misrepresentation.
There;s an Independent Football Regulator (currently unemployed) that’s been formed for this very purpose.
Oliver always referees Arsenal harshly and the pattern is crystal clear – if he can possibly send an Arsenal player off he will.
The notion that he is the best English ref is completely unevidenced and is often quoted by Manchester and Liverpool fans masquerading as neutral pundits. This is because he favours them- it it because he is a local lad influenced by the rabid North West media-Or other reasons I don’t know.
But I do know he has sent off 5 Spurs players No Man City only one Liverpool .yet neither Spurs or Arsenal are dirty or even physical teams.Arsenal are 13th in the number of yellow cards this season yet thanks to Oliver top ofthe red cards.
97 yellow cards and 8 reds. In 55 games are facts which speak for themselves.The lightening unquestioned support by VAR for controversial interpretations like MLS,Trossard,Martinelli,Rice red cards adds to the suspicion that there is a PGMOL driven lagenda.Why is this so far fetched? The reaction of the PGMOL is entirely consistent with high level corruption. They behave like a dictator in a banana republic.. Now they can blame the victims fans for over reacting while exonerating their boy.. Oliver does not in any way deserve abuse or any personal attack. But his refereeing inconsistency in high profile games which may be due to bias and the PGMOL deserves full independent investigation. This will inevitably eventually happen anyway. Oliver will continue to referee Arsenal games and the same pattern will continue. Arsenal ‘s only option will be through the courts.
Factually not true mate
What’s not factual Dan!
Oliver always referees Arsenal harshly
Then the Maradona handball goal would have still counted Dan 😂😂😂LOL
Don’t know how my reply under this is there, but we’re only human, so let’s just accept the mistake 5carry on 😂😂
Dan, in the last two and a half seasons would you say that Mr Oliver has treated us fairly and is consistent with his decisions versus other clubs
I say the two and a half years as a reference to his being invited over to referee in a friendly within the Arab league.
Yes
I can name you games where he’s also gave us subjective decisions in our favour
And I also think some of our reds were warranted
But is he consistent?
For instance
1. Has he ever sent off another player by giving them two yellow cards in five seconds involving the same incident?
2. Has he given a yellow card every time a ball has been kicked away when a free kick has been awarded?
3. Has he ever waved away a tackle from behind thus ensuring that a player would not be sent off in order not to spoil the spectacle of the game?
4. Has he ever booked a player thus ensuring said player is sent off, ensuring that the spectacle of the game would be affected?
Of course, this doesn’t include The Arsenal, just any other PL side that you can think of?
If you could list them as 1 to 4 for clarification, that would be helpfull – Thanks mate!!
No mate officiating in this country isn’t consistent by any official
I agree with that
But you asked me have we been treated fairly
Sometimes we have benefitted from Mr Oliver
Why out of interest did you not complain when he treated us differently and it helped us ?
So points 1,2,3 and 4 apply only to our club then?
Why do you think that’s the case and why have points 1,3 and 4 never been repeated?
Could it be that he actually does referee us differently in these specific cases?
But we don’t know that do we ?
Has he given a yellow card to every player who’s ever delayed a restart no but he’s let Arsenal players get away with that as well.
3 and 4 how would I know but I assume of course lol.
But any club can say what your saying
It proves officiating is poor
Doesn’t prove that he’s corrupt or Arsenal are victims
And you agree with that anyway ?
But there is evidence that exists that he’s not picking on Arsenal
But I’m not interested or talking about any other club am I?
That’s why I deliberately said Arsenal.
I haven’t complained when he treated us differently and it benefitted us, as I can’t remember any instances as blatantly obvious as, for example, the two yellows in five seconds for Martinelli.
Can you give me a never seen before and /or repeated example of Mr Oliver giving us such a positive decision?
You do have this knack of missing things (not including the Liverpool example of course 😂) as you didn’t address point 1, glossed over points 3 and four and missed the point that I didn’t include 3 in my summing up.
To help you out Dan, 1,3 and 4 have only been used by Mr Oliver when he’s refereed The Arsenal and 3 and 4 when he’s only refereed The Arsenal and city115.
Of course, I don’t need to tell you that on the occasions that 3 and 4 were implemented by Mr Oliver, it wasn’t The Arsenal who benifitted.
I find it really odd that you have difficulty agreeing that Mr Oliver has made some very weird negative and never seen before or after decisions regarding our club – your possible the only one who can’t see it and how these decisions have affected MA and his players, at least that’s how it seems in the responses to this article, but, as they say, there’s always one 😂😂
Enjoyed the debate and hope you have too – now about that Liverpool article….. 🤔🤔
Yeah good debate mate
We should ask admin for a podcast dude lol
What a good idea Dan!!
As two duehard Gooners, we could wear our “Arsene knows best” shirts, that would really wind up some of our fellow Gooners 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Off for some shut eye now – take care my friend!!
We will always have common ground on Mr Wenger
An investigation for getting a decision wrong ?
If we do this get all officials lol
Oliver is always bias against Arsenal. And I think it is high time that Arsenal will tender a special report concerning this to the authority. Possibly to stop him from officiating Arsenal games. The authorities not doing anything concerning this is more dangerous.
He gave Wolves and Liverpool a red card against us , a penalty for us and not for Liverpool
So factually it’s not always
I’m sure if we looked at every Arsenal game he managed a decision went out way that was subjective ?
That is his only Liverpool red card.
But you said …..
Oliver always referees Arsenal harshly?
Just seen this statistic on Google.
Guess who Mr Oliver has awarded more penalties against then any other team?
Now, I’m only passing what was being claimed…. It’s The Arsenal!!
This was claimed in the comments section when Jordan and White were discussing Mr Oliver’s stats when refereeing our club.
Just passing it on with no ulterior motive whatsoever!!
Yeah seen that
The host also said that when you look at the red cards he’s given us the majority he thinks simply were red cards
I’ll have to take a look
The discrepancies between other clubs is really noticeable and shocking. If Arsenal are as “bad” (foul-wise) as Oliver’s rulings imply, then we should also see other refs making similar decisions, especially the sending-offs. Do we see it though?
PGMOL has too much power, and are seemingly beyond reproach.
One of the best leagues should have some of the best officials, but do we?
The MLS ruling looks suspect because a short time later Gomes commits a far more dangerous foul showing spikes in a tackle, yet only a yellow not a straight red?
Even neutral viewers seem shocked at Oliver’s decision. Something must be done, awareness should be brought, and hopefully clubs come together before next season and vote for change.
First and second paragraphs are spot on Durand.
The others are also I might add.
Any organisation that investigates itself has no credibility whatsoever.
I agree mate
Lets demand all officiating improve but if all 20 clubs go down this road what I will say is automatic reds for any diving or time wasting
Because if we are going down this road of every decision is wrong is corruption then we can’t then have players trying to con reffs either
I have seen other clubs get decisions that apply them another club get the opposite decision for same thing
Dan,
I totally agree with this point.
While the officials need looking at.
We need the clubs both managers and players to stop this constant trying to con them. In defense of the referee’s in these instances, they can’t know if their coming or going at times.
Don’t complain about referee’s decisions when there being conned by these diving players, and then have the barefaced cheek to complain when they get the decision wrong.
Clubs need to help the officials out as well, if they want a more even playing field. It works both ways.
Exactly if we are going down this road be careful
For example Havertz dived against United
How many on here cared ?
Or said ….could it be a conspiracy?
How many went and checked that officials record ?
Next time we get a terrible decision go our way I bet few of you ask for an investigation?
It’s a win at all costs mentality.Anything to give you an advantage. English fans complain about feigning injury and diving but think it’s ok to pressure the ref all game continuously endlessly claim throw ins and corners when players know they kicked it out. Grab shirts all game foul as soon as the other team gets possession-its all cheating.The game is played in the wrong spirit pro footballers think you’ve let the team down if a goal is conceded when you could have stopped it with a foul.
But Dan, we’re not going down the road of every decision is wrong, you’ve just added that to the debate… why??
Didn’t say all decisions were wrong
I said if we are going to investigate Mr Oliver for the decisions he gets wrong let’s look at all clubs and wrong decisions
Let me stress it’s all imaginary of course
Zero investigation will happen
In a way I would prefer to believe that we simply have poor officials (which could purportedly be improved) who may have biases because of their boyhood heroes playing or whatever as opposed to something else much worse being at play here. That’s what an impartial (some org other than PGMOL) investigation could hopefully reveal – the truth of the matter – which could be different depending on the referee being looked at.
Truth is mate
If any fan generally though there was a conspiracy to stop arsenal winning league they wouldn’t watch would they ?
And if Arsenal FC has evidence this was going on they would get their lawyers involved
I don’t believe a significant conspiracy against Arsenal is likely because a conspiracy would involve too many individuals in control of the situation and too close to the spotlight to make it effective even if desired.
As far as watching games is concerned, I posted a comment the other day noting that the officiating in the league is getting so poor that even when I’m basically a neutral, that I am turning away from contests which could otherwise be quite enjoyable to experience. Of course, in the case of Arsenal I will always want to watch us play no matter what. Unfortunately, until the attitude (and dollars) of other fans like me change, the situation is not likely to change significantly either.
Worth noting that though it seems unlikely there are precedents in the 60s players including an English international was imprisoned for corruption.players have been banned for betting offences – one only last year.There is so much money it’s surprising that corruption is thought to be inconceivable especially when one team who Michael Oliver has never red carded is facing 115 financial fair play charges which have taken years to prosecute.
Not inconceivable you just need evidence to prove it
Exactly – and finding evidence is what investigations are for 🤣🤣
The “conspiracy” word again – straw man. This is about one man – Michael Oliver. No conspiracy is required for him to be biased against Arsenal.
Disagree
If I can point to subjective decisions that he awards in our favour
Not bias
Let me re-state the words and see if they sink in this time:
No conspiracy is required for him to be biased against Arsenal.
Have another go. Clue: your response does not in any way address this point.
Remember when Michael Oliver refused to send Mateo Kovacic off after a late challenge against Declan Rice?
Or when he refused to give Joao Gomes the second yellow card for kicking the ball away during an Arsenal’s throw-in
He was also paid £20,000 by Man City to officiate their friendly match in Abu Dhabi
He must be investigated
Do you remember when he gave Arsenal a penalty against Liverpool for hand ball and then doesn’t give Liverpool a pen for same thing ?
Do you want that investigated ?
It was a clear penalty for Arsenal, but not for Liverpool
And remember when he refused to send Jeremy Doku off and didn’t give Liverpool a penalty after Doku kicked Alexis Mac Allister’s chest
But he’s got an agenda ?
There’s a conspiracy?
So why would a man with a conspiracy against Arsenal in a game where we were five points behind Liverpool give us a pen and not them and then send their player off?
Sounds weird for a man with an agenda to do that
Explain it to me mate
Because in a court of law for corruption that is what you be asked ?
He couldn’t find our mistake in that game
When Gabriel handles the ball ?
Think about it
Your being paid let’s say to screw Arsenal ….Liverpool appeal for pen
Its subjective….wouldn’t you give it ?
But you give the subjective handball to Arsenal ?
Yet your goal is to screw Arsenal
That literally is the opposite
Magalhaes’ arm was in a natural position when it happened, so Oliver couldn’t punish us
But if he’s got an agenda and there’s a conspiracy it’s enough to give it right
https://youtu.be/weKW03Ziz-A?si=ALNmZbAC75fivuTT
You don’t seem to understand the word “conspiracy” Dan.
Why are you defending this guy so hard that you have posts all over this thread?
I’m beginning to wonder if your full name is Dan Oliver lol.
Because I truly believe he has zero conspiracy, agenda , motive, etc against us
I believe all clubs experience decisions that go against them or in their favour
I have watched M Oliver make decisions that have gone our way
No one has been able to offer any evidence otherwise outside of we don’t agree with this decision
That’s my opinion mate
Like I said, you don’t understand the word “conspiracy”. Clue: it requires more than one person acting in collusion.
It doesn’t matter what your opinion is – without looking for evidence, nobody will veer know. hence the call for an investigation.
My view: a wider investigation into why PL officiating is worse than in other major leagues.
NOTE: that’s a view regarding the TYPE of investigation – I am not pre-judging the outcome, as you do.
Offering your opinion of Oliver’s guilt or innocence is by the by – and a bit daft tbh without the full picture, which only an investigation into PL refereeing standards as a whole can provide.
Anyway, I’m done with this, it’s a waste of time. No doubt you’ll reply to everything but address nothing, as usual.
Here we go again. You say PL is worse than any other major league. How do you know that? Do you watch all the games in Italy, Spain, Germany and France? Why is that Real Madrids President is demanding English refs officiate games in Spain because they are a much higher standard than Spanish refs. Why is it that Italian, German and French media almost daily call their refs the worst on the world? Why is it that the Arab countries poach English refs to lead their refereeing associations? Ignorance is rampant on this site when it comes to English refs. I know why. AFTV and other toxic Youtube channels influences too many people that refuse to actually look at facts and make assumptions without any evidence whatsoever.
Gotanidea and Dan,
We could be here all day giving examples.
The point is, we need both the officials and the clubs to get together, and discuss a way for the officials to referee the game better, but also the clubs need to do their bit regarding players behavior, such as diving, feigning injury, trying to get fellow players sent off amongst other things.
It’s not just the officials that need to look at themselves, the managers and players need to be held to account to.
I have posed a similar post further back if you care to read it. My point is similar to this.
But do what ?
How are you going to stop a reff from making a mistake ?
Happening for decades ?
I read somewhere about a petition ?
Who do we think we are lol
It’s childish
Dan, we’re never going to stop referee’s making a mistake, we all make them. Show me the perfect human, and I’ll show you a liar.
But all I’m saying is, that if the clubs got there players to be more honest if you like, then the referee could be more trusting regarding certain decisions, feeling that he’s not being conned half the time.
It really makes me laugh when one weekend a manager is bleating about a decision, and then come the next weekend the same decision goes his clubs way, and not a word is said.
These officials get slaughtered week after week. And hardly anyone pulls the player’s up on their behavior in said game.
Something needs to be done, because as fans we get frustrated at the officials decision making at times and rightly so.
But I tend to put some of the blame at the door of the players themselves.
Whether I’m a dreamer or not I don’t know, but until the players take some responsibility for their on field behavior, then nothing is going to change.
Remember, and what I’m going to say is probably going to ruffle some feathers.
What Skelly did was cheating, I know people won’t like what I’ve said, but it doesn’t make it any less true.
As I said it needs to work both ways, and better behavior by the players would be a good start.
That’s why I’m asking what do peeps want from this investigation?
Do you remember when they forgot to draw the lines for offside against Brentford
They looked into it and said sorry
End of
Season after Liverpool had a goal dissolowed because they did same thing
So we can get together and say do better reffs
Next week …..boom bad decision made
How about the last minute disallowed goal against Liverpool earlier this season which would have beaten you- disallowed for your player making a back and not challenging a high ball and conning the ref? These games often can be determined by refs decisions and with Oliver we are not talking about one or two – we are talking about a pattern every time he refs an Arsenal game..I may add you get very favourable refereeing at Anfield which to be honest you don’t need at the present time to win games but it helps the confidence of the team to know that key
Players like Van Dijk will not be red carded even if he deliberately kicks an opponent.
Factually not true mate
It’s not every time
Also Oliver didn’t reff that game
That is not true, Man City did not pay him £20,000 and hundreds of officials officiated outside their leagues weekly, either in foreign league games or UEFA games. If you are going to make a point at least be truthful.
What makes it worse is that the margins for winning are so tight it makes it an uphill battle, to say the least
And a lot of money is also moving when those margins in every game change regardless of which direction they are going.
There are biases in officiating but there are also genuine errors just because every team is on the end of bad decisions does not mean some refs are not officiating games differently
But all clubs will say that
Ask a wolves fan about officials
I am not sure I subscribe to the theory that he, or any other professional referee, are corrupt or have an agenda. I think suggesting there may be bias, intentional or otherwise, towards certain teams be it harshness or leniency, certainly has more credibility.
To an extent it is also down to the players to not put themselves in a situation where the referee can make a potentially bad call; I am thinking the Declan Rice sending off for example. I do not think this applies to Lewis-Skelly. I viewed his foul as an intentional, and albeit cynical, professional foul to prevent a counter attack. Yellow card. No different to when we see players hanging off other players’ shoulders or pulling them back.
I think Michael Oliver should be held accountable by the Premier League and made to justify his decision but that’s it. For some Arsenal fans to send death threats is frankly ridiculous and completely undermines whatever they hope to achieve.
It was a poor decision, and not his first against our team, but come on. It’s a game. It doesn’t matter. If you made a mistake at work and your family received death threats because of it how would you feel? It’s nonsense and it makes everyone involved look stupid. Get a grip.
Yeah and it’s sad in 2025 that more energy isn’t put into that
We dont know M Oliver has an agenda
We know he’s being sent death threats
I know which one is more serious and I bet the police do
Good luck any fans explaining to the police …..’ but it was only a yellow card lol ‘
Sadly that’s grown adults thinking that
Why are you lumping the two incidents into one Dan?
I see that as a deflection to both incidents.
Let’s take the most serious first and that’s threats against Mr Oliver. We don’t know what those threats are, but they are serious enough for the police to be involved. It’s a criminal offence and should be treated as such. To date, I haven’t seen any individual on JA making such threats.
On to the second incident that involved three decisions made by Mr Oliver during the Wolves game.
1. His failure to punish a deliberate kicking of the ball away when a free kick was awarded – unlike his issuing of a second yellow to Trossard that saw him sent off.
2. Only issuing a yellow card for a dangerous tackle that was above the ankle and could have caused serious injury – a red card as defined by the rule book.
.The issuing of a straight red card for a trip that would not have caused serious injury – a yellow card as defined by the rule book.
They are two completely different issues that, whether intentional or not, dilute the seriousness of each and this is so obvious, as can be seen by the discussions here on JA.
No mate one is serious the other is a reff making a bad decision at a football game
You seem to saying
Sending threats are bad …..but ….
There is no but , there is no deflection
The most serious thing for the PGMOL and police to focus on is a man and his family getting sent death threats not some fans not liking a red card and making up conspiracy theories with zero evidence
This does give me an idea mate through
Admin should let us do a channel / podcast where we debate lol ( we as in all of us )
None of us are responsible for some idiots sending death threats – I agree people that do that should be punished, but that has nothing to do with anything here. It’s as though you’re using it to say ken or whiever can’t question his integrity, basically to stifle the discussion. You might as well say don’t discuss football at all because there’s a war going on and that’s far more important than any of it, including internet death threats.
I happen to be more on your side of the actual argument here, I certainly don’t think there’s any kind of conspiracy or agenda – but that has nothing to do with what some idiots have said.
Absolutely spot on Davi and I wonder if that’s how the PGMOL will play this one out?
They are both serious, but for different reasons.
We both seem to agree on the threats to Mr Oliver, so that’s one issue done with.
You say, however, that the second issue is not serious, so why try to combine the two?
Why not let them be discussed in their own entity?
So you say the refereeing issue is not serious?
Yet your always going on about the fact we haven’t won anything under MA and should he be judged on results?
Your also admitting that the level of refereeing in the PL is terrible.
So, in the context of football, remembering this is a football site, isn’t the situation serious enough to be dealt with as an individual case?
Not terrible on the level of sending someone threats no mate lol
Poor officiating has been going on since I can remember
What’s the answer ?
As long as you have humans there will always be mistakes
How do you deal with it ?
Sack every official who’s made a dodgy decision?
Not terrible on the level of sending someone threats no mate lol
Poor officiating has been going on since I can remember
What’s the answer ?
As long as you have humans there will always be mistakes
How do you deal with it ?
Sack every official who’s made a dodgy decision?
That’s exactly what I said – take the more serious incident first!!
What you are trying to do, for what reason I can’t comprehend, is to relegate Mr Oliver’s disregard for the rules as of no real issue, because we should concentrate on the abuse.
It’s his abuse of the rules, that has led to this situation and it gives these moron’s the excuse to be one keyboard warriors.
Of course poor officiating has been going on for as long as I can remember as well, but that was before we had VAR, the media and, supposedly, professional referees earning in excess of £100,000 a season to follow the rule book… and Mr Oliver, time and time again has failed to do that.
Why do sports such as rugby and other sports who use var, never have this trouble and their officials respected by the players?
Why is it only the PL that, week after week, discuss what you describe as human error?
You go on and on about other clubs, but this is a site for Arsenal supporters and every time Mr Oliver referees one of our games, we have this kind of aftermath.
If he keeps making mistakes, why not sack him?
What punishment is there for referees who you say make mistakes?
Why can’t the media ask referees why they make these controversial decisions?
Catching the morons who made these threats won’t change any of the above will it?
No for decades officials made bad decisions without fans thinking they had a define right for ‘ action ‘ just because they don’t agree with a decision
Football can’t handle that as some of our fans have proved with their abuse
Saying Every time is nonsense
I can name games where he’s given decisions our way
I challenge you to look at the 50 odd games he’s reffed and see what we come up with
Whisper it quietly some of the red cards he gave us were red cards
More false assertions. Go on X and read about a decision in any of those sports and also NFL and you will see the vitriol is just as bad.
I suspect that the root of the problem with Oliver and Arsenal stems from his personal animosity towards our Manager.They both strike me as stubborn indeed arrogant individuals who find it difficult to admit to any failings and it would not surprise me if they have crossed swords early in our Manager’s career at Arsenal.That said I would not waste any time or money in submitting any dossier to the PGMOL as it will merely incur their wrath and attitude towards our Club.With regard to the morons who made the threats against the Oliver family, I hope they are jailed as there has to be a deterrent to prevent such ignorant low lives from repeating their actions.
A definite possibility Grandad and I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiments regarding the idiotic behaviour towards Oliver and his family
If that’s the case regarding Mr Oliver and Mikel Grandad, isn’t the situation one that should be looked at on its own merit?
Needless to say, I agree with the rest of your post.
The problem is the red cards! Tomi red card! You’ve never seen reds card like that handed out and you’ll probably never see it again. Why mls red was so bad was var could have told him to take another look. Now some here might still believe it was worth red. But most of football did not! I watched it and didn’t think it was a red. I don’t think there is this massive conspiracy but I reference it the other day. Tim donaghy the nba ref that was jailed for betting on games. He talked about targeting a certain player that had threaten a fellow referee. He purposely made the wrong decision to disadvantage the player. Referees are human. They can have faults just like anyone of us! Just ask David coote.
To follow on from your wise post, Pco, we have had numerous scandals involving referees in europe and around the world.
As I say, if the PGMOL is allowed to police itself and close ranks, as it has undoubtedly done in the Skelly incident despite overwhelming condemnation, there will always be an underlying current of suspicion.
The (possibly) simple solution would be for the FA, PL & EFL, who finance PGMOL, to take control or dump it and form a new more accountable organization with a fairer distribution of referees.
I don’t understand how they can remain unaccountable to everyone including those who in effect employ them.
I would be surprised if Oliver had a grudge against us and the conspiracy theory is actually.
On all the players that have been red carded for us this season
DR by the letter of the law should and did go
LT I had no problem on him going
WS was a 50/50 and we got the wrong end of the 50/50
MLS is totally unjust and should have stayed on
One thing that all the above fail to meet is consistency.
If as fans we can see that then we can accept the decisions gracefully but you can’t have a booking for kicking the ball away one game and get booked and the next game you done.
I will never accept the fact we lost a game due to bad decisions (maybe at that time i wil) but when you take stock, it is because we didn’t play well enough)
Maybe it’s just plain old he isn’t a good as the PGMOL keep ranking him.
Conspiracy IMO doesn’t enter the conversation.
Other point is VAR has just made the whole situation even worse by not over ruling the decision which makes a mockery of how they are supposed to help refs and not hang them out to dry.
Last point is that it is totally unacceptable to hound and make death threats to Oliver and his family and the people who have done the should feel ashamed no matter if it was in the heat of the moment or not.
We as fans have a moral duty to condemn the vile and disgraceful acts these people.
Apologies for the rant but I find it disturbing a person family can be subjected to these sorts of things
Onwards and upwards
How many of those red cards were in games reffed by Michael Oliver?
Not relevant to this discussion then, are they?
I never stop to be amused by Dan’s attitude! Is he an Arsenal supporter in the opposition? Why is he always defending issues that hurt Arsenal? Some of his arguments are truly lopsided! Nobody has suggested that Oliver is a nitwit to show bias through and through. He does it when he gets a good opportunity, especially in decisions requiring discretion. Of course doesn’t mean his life should be threatened. It is highly criminal to intimidate any individual, more so a public figure like Oliver! This is not the first time such a thing is happening. Recently, Kai Havertz’s wife was verbally assaulted and threatened. Some years back, Granite Xhaka was a victim of a hate campaign by some individuals purporting to be Arsenal fans! Such behaviour is very deplorable and the individuals involved should be appropriately punished if they are identified. Football is a game, not a battle field. Nobody should wish another death because of sports! The main problem is that we have too many hooligans hiding behind sporting activities! They should be identified and dealt with in accordance with the law.
In the meantime, cases of biased officiating need to be thoroughly investigated so as to establish the authenticity, or otherwise, of these allegations. In many sectors of life, perceptions can ruin an organisation or institution. Therefore, there is need to put all the suspicions to rest through independent investigation.
David:
Do not be amused, “The Devil advocated”is a troll, that must be a fan of the club indicted with 115 charges.All of his comments are a detriment of Arsenal.
He replayed to my question to show the incidents affecting ManC. by his own words “top of my head” he remembered 2 very small incidents affecting Man City 2 and 3 years ago, how a person can have in his memory these small details if he is not a fan of that team. Now he is trying to clouded the debate of the Red Card with suggestions that Arsenal fan may be involved in the abused of the referee .Finally now he is admitting it was a yellow card so it was an small mistake only.
In relations to the abusers is a matter for the police as it was in the case of Havertz.
That’s not fair you asked for examples and I gave them lol
I can’t pretend they didn’t happen
Do you want more examples where decisions went our way ?
Finally admitting it was a yellow card ?
When did I ever say it should be red lol ?
Suggestions it may be Arsenal fans ?you can literally find the comments on X and YouTube ?
Not defending anything mate
I agree never should have been a red card at the weekend
I simply can’t pretend there have not been times where things go our way
Not that I’m in support of death threat to Oliver and his family.. but what if this is just a diversion strategy by the PGMOL to distract everyone attention from the heat of the moment.. they were shocked that 99% of football lovers either pundits, press, media and fans will call them out with one voice for the very first time on their latest childish error of judgement both on the field and in their early Sunday press release…. Why do they need a second press statement on the same issue that same day if not to gain cheap sympathy and divert attention from themselves because everyone is calling for their head from every angle…. How will anyone know that Oliva was threatened if it’s not an attempted to use it as a weapon of distraction… They could have submitted the threat evidence to the police without making it public which would make it easier to catch all involved without even arousing the suspicious of the offenders…. I see all this as a damage control strategy by PGMOL. They know what game they are playing as usual.
You’re saying PGMOL made this up? Involved the police? Just to take the heat off of Oliver?🤣🤣🤣
On re=reading I can see that you’re suggesting PGMOL went public to divert attention from Oliver: in the same way as Arsenal did with Havertz.
I don’t think he’s saying that Jax, at least until his last sentence.
What he’s saying is why not give the police the evidence and let them quietly find the guilty one(s).
However, he is correct in saying that this has now taken the heat out of the discussion regarding Mr Oliver’s disregard
of the rule book when he makes such different calls as and when he feels like it, mainly involving The Arsenal, but at other clubs as well.
The PGMOL wouldn’t have a cats chance in hell, if they made this up, as they would have to provide the evidence to the police and they have done so… that’s why it’s an ongoing investigation – let’s hope they catch the moron(s), name and shame them and make an example of them.
Yeah Ken. I read it too quickly first time. I find it unlikely though. And did we do this for Havertz?
Yeah soz a police investigation for abuse and threats is more important then what is a yellow card
@Ken1945 you absolutely get what I was trying to say…. The threat was not made up it was real…but it was opportunity for PGMOL to shift attention from Oliver’s on filed controversial decision.
Exactly and that’s what is happening.
However, my suggestion that the Le Grove article should be read, seems to becoming true.
I have no sympathy for the idiots who give out abuse, but, by not supporting Mr Oliver and his refereeing decisions, it can be turned into a suggestion that I do!!
Maybe I wouldn’t trust VAR to notice it lol
That’s what we do agree on
Now that you say it I believe it is so. Everyone will be afraid to talk about the red card issue instead of sympathizing with the corrupt ref. Especially those who are public figures.
But that’s those Arsenal fans fault
We should be able to say he did a bad job without death threats or our striker isn’t very good without abuse
I blame social media though
We live in a world now where Skelley gets a red cards and people feel they are owed an explanation
In reality bad decisions were happening In the 90’s we just didn’t have 24 hour platforms to debate
Indeed Dan, but as you know from the Havertz situation, morons exist and the danger is we all become tarred with the same brush…. unless the two incidents are treated separately.
Well I remember some asking me for a list of examples when i claimed Arsenal fans make sick chants
We seem to think we are unique
Educate these fans
Skelly got a red , it should have been a yellow
Grow up and get on with it
If that makes you want to threaten people you need to chat to someone
And that post, Dan, shows EXACTLY why the two incidents should be separated.
Fans who know the rules don’t need to be educated, it’s the referee who needs to be!!
Let’s not forget that near enough the whole of the media, pundits and football fans are saying Mr Oliver got it wrong… do they ALL need to be educated into the way Mr Oliver referees one match differently to another?
Any fan who thinks they should abuse another human being because a red card was shown in a football match needs educating
Not excuses
Neatly sudestepoed Dan, but please answer the question, should the media, pundits and football fans need to be educated on the way Mr Oliver referees matches and incidents differently?
I agree no excuses, but that’s the different matter your confusing as I predicted you would.
Side stepped
No they should move on because it will just cause this over reaction where football fan abuse and male threats
He made the wrong decision simple as that
Just like he makes wrong decisions where we benefit from
So we move on and Mr Oliver continues to make mistakes and nothing happens?
Except everyone else needs to be educated to his “level”?
You make it sound like it’s anything new ?
Yes you accept the officials decision and that sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it doesn’t
As long as you have humans in charge that will always be the case
Been like that for decades
Again you can’t only campaign when a decision goes against us
What do you want to happen
Him sacked ?
Lets say that happens and another reff makes what you perceive the wrong decision
Sack him ?
It’s not what I perceive as a mistake Dan, it’s what roughly 90% of the footballing world who watch PL football see as a mistake.
Following your logic then, refereeing standards never improve, as we have to accept their every decision because they’re human!!
So a certain Mr Coote should still be a PL referee, Mike Dean was right, when he didn’t use var correctly in order to protect a fellow referee – we should just accept all of this and carry on paying our money to watch mistakes every week?
I’m not arguing just for our club, I’m arguing for ALL clubs and, until the PGMOL allow their referees to be asked about their controversial decisions and are not allowed to police themselves, this will continue and, according to you, we should just accept it and move on?
Give me and all football fans a break Dan, we might just as well throw the rule book out the window and wait to see what each referee decides his opinion of any incident is on any given day….. much as we do with Mr Oliver as that is what you are advocating.
we might just as well throw the rule book out the window and wait to see what each referee decides his opinion of any incident is on any given day?
Why are you making out this is anything new ?
They been terrible for years lol
But you want it to continue Dan!!
They’re only human and we should accept it and move on!!
Your right, it has been going on for years, does that mean we have to accept it!
They can’t even use VAR correctly and you say just accept it, move on, they’re only human?!?!?!
Earning around the £100,000 plus salary, they should be able to, at the very least, follow the rule book, be consistent and not have opinions that vary from game to game shouldn’t they?!
Honestly mate I would love it to change but what do you suggest
In 1986 England went out of a World Cup because Maradona handled the ball
Bad decisions been happening for a decade
Part of the sport
Sometimes it goes your way other times not
What do you suggest the sport does ?
Well Dan, you just said what we should do, accept the decisions and carry on, because they’re humans.
However my friend, technology was introduced and it’s called VAR.
It has been used in many different sports across the world and is there to help our referees.
Of course, when the PL decided to adopt it (seasons after the rest of Europe needless to say) they made changes because Mike Riley, then head of the PGMOL, thought he knew better and, as he claimed his referees got over 95% of all decisions correct, his referees would use it more sparingly.
Of course, it was a complete disaster and, in the end, our FA and the PL decided to comply with the rest of Europe.
But, once again, they are making a pig’s ear of it aren’t they?
It’s not VAR that’s at fault, as it’s a bit of manufactures hardware and not human in any way, shape or form.
It’s the humans (referees for clarification) who cannot use it properly.
So you ask me what the sport should do?
Perhaps they could train these well paid professionals to use the equipment properly, as instructed by their governing body might be a good start!!
If they had called Mr Oliver over to check his decision, this whole saga might have been prevented, but they didn’t.
I say”might” because it’s well known that Mr Oliver doesn’t change his decisions.
How does that grab you for starters Dan?
I would get rid of VAR to be honest
Maybe use it for offsides only.?
Then the Maradona handball goal would have still counted Dan 😂😂😂LOL
DAN
what on earth happened to our premier league prediction ??????
It will be back soon guys
It’s not gone I promise
A bit of the crowd shouting you don’t know what you’re doing towards Oliver is perfectly ok, however online death threats etc. is another level, completely moronic, and completely counter productive to any cause they were trying to portray. I thought g
He pulled out the red card far too quickly, he didn’t even give himself anytime to think about it, and VAR were more anxious to back up a bad decision, than to do their job.
I really don’t know where this is going, but the latest report I’ve just read is claiming that Mr Oliver, supposedly, had no websites where he could receive personal abuse!!
There is also, supposedly, an on line petition demanding that Mr Oliver should not referee any further Arsenal games. To date, it claims more than 15,000 signatures have been received.
Can one see how these two separate issues should not be used together?
Funny though when Havertz was abused no one questioned that ?
I think it’s Arsenal fans not wanting to admit that other Arsenal fans do this
Twitter Saturday night was full of abuse
AFTV ‘ go on land one on him , he should land one in him ‘
Sad that you don’t accept that his decisions could be genuine mistakes but will be open to him being abused being fake ?
Shameful
I think it is an admirable quality that you are looking for the good, because that reflects on you in a good way.
However, I do believe that as humans, we more than have the capacity to show bias. That is not to say that it is deliberately corrupt or that Oliver as an example, is that man, but we are all capable of not playing a straight bat. I don’t think for one minute that Oliver is out to get us, but there is definitely something not quite right (does he realise he is doing it?) when decisions are made that give rise to the current level of speculation, followed by hatred. Almost universal criticism of his decision and VAR too, has been expressed in the media, resulting in them regurgitating all the other jobsworth decisions affecting Arsenal by Oliver which only make matters worse.
Do other referees find themselves in a similar position to Arsenal at other clubs? Do Spurs as an example find that Tierney has it in for them on a regular basis? Do I just not pay attention and it exists throughout the league?
No Sue we care about Arsenal so therefore have a bias
If you truthfully sat and dissected every game Oliver reffed you would find subjective decisions that went our way ?
You could equally find a team or reff where stats go our way ?
The only bias is from …..Arsenal fans
Like the abuse ?
Some are now saying it’s fake because it’s ….Arsenal ?
It doesn’t suit our agenda
Media are saying they have been shown the threats which give out his address
Are they part of this cover up ?
The reality is some decisions go your way some don’t .
Been that way for years .
No one is against us , we are not unique ….
We are 6 points behind Liverpool not because of a conspiracy……it’s because they are currently better .
Of course everyone questioned Havertz abuse and everyone who commented on JA wanted the book thrown at him – name and shame was the cry!!
I’m an Arsenal supporter and I know that moronic Arsenal fans have done it before and will do it again… I condemn them 100%
Your an Arsenal supporter and you know that Mr Oliver has referees our club differently to others…. do you accept that is the case?
You are doing what I knew you would do, using the abuse to cover for the refereeing mistake and calling me shameful.. LOL
No I can name games where he clearly favoured us and you said nothing and never asked for an investigation
And my point was you believed Havertz was getting abused but not M Oliver or Roy Keane?
No I simply know that your making it up .
I could name you a game where M Oliver favoured us and you said nothing
Dan, where have I said I didn’t believe Roy Keane or Michael Oliver weren’t being abused?
Again, your proving the point that Mr Oliver is not refereeing by the book, if you can say there were games when he favoured us!!
He shouldn’t be favouring anybody should he?
I didn’t ask or instigate the the petition and I haven’t signed it
either. All I did was make others aware that there was one.
What on earth am I making up Dan?
Not hes favouring us
Decisions are made
Some are correct , some are wrong
It’s been that way for decades
I’m saying that when he makes a decision that goes our way you say nothing
Your making up the following ,
‘every time Mr Oliver referees one of our games, we have this kind of aftermath’
Not true
Not hes favouring us
Decisions are made
Some are correct , some are wrong
It’s been that way for decades
I’m saying that when he makes a decision that goes our way you say nothing
Your making up the following ,
‘every time Mr Oliver referees one of our games, we have this kind of aftermath’
Not true
Name me a game where we haven’t had controversy Dan.
Again, you said he’s “favouring” us – but he shouldn’t be favouring anybody should he?
I don’t mean favouring as in he’s favouring
I meant he equally makes decisions for us where the opposition disagree with
Some go your way , some don’t
I notice though you only want an investigation when it goes against us
Like you only question if the abuse is real or if Roy Keane got headbutted because they are not Arsenal
Hence why did you believe that Havertz was abused . Why did you not say your not sure if that was real ?
Because his wife produced the evidence Dan and the police backed up her evidence.
The headbutt wasn’t as clear cut in my opinion, but the police and the club investigated and prosecuted him and found him guilty – great, marvellous and I wish Keane had sued him for damages.
I seem to remember you called out the Liverpool fans at the CL final in France, calling them everything under the sun, with no proof whatsoever.
Yet, when the French authorities and EUFA admitted it was their fault and cleared the pool fans of any wrongdoing, you suddenly disappeared and have NEVER acknowledged that you were wrong.
That’s why it’s best to wait for actual evidence don’t you agree Dan?!
But Sky , M Richards and an eye witness all said they saw it
Be honest because it was an Arsenal fan you didn’t want to admit it ?
Like you only care when M Oliver gives us a dodgy decision but say nothing the other way round ?
Don’t worry Dan, I’m being 100% honest and I couldn’t see a headbutt, so I waited,
unlike you and the Liverpool CL final.
You have never been honest about that have you?
Not one word of apology, so let’s not play this “I’m whiter than white” game my friend.
Let’s get back to Mr Oliver and why we should put up and shut up.
Because you think he’s cheating, that’s your perception, doesn’t make it right
I simply think officials do their jobs but sometimes get it wrong
That’s been the case since football began
I’m not whiter then white
I simply say it’s wrong to head but and threaten anyone no matter what club they represent
‘ Until we know what occurred, it’s silly to condemn either party, but headbutting is a criminal offence – having watched the video, I can’t make out any kind of contact by the way.’
That’s what you said
Now today your suggesting that it might be false even when the media are saying they have been shown the threats
If that’s what I said, then that’s what I believed.
I’m not saying he didn’t though am I?
Innocent until proven guilty and the moron was – brilliant
Dan, I haven’t said anywhere that I think the abuse Mr Oliver is getting was false have I – your just making that up.
What I did do was report two things to this site for discussion:
1. A petition has been set up asking that Mr Oliver no longer referees any of our games – I haven’t signed it
2. It was reported that Mr Oliver didn’t have any websites to receive any abuse – I didn’t agree with that either.
JustArsenal reports on ALL things Arsenal, would you agree those two points have something to do with The Arsenal?
But you casually fail to mention that the main media have said they have been shown the threats which have also detailed Mr Oliver’s address
The petition has zero relevance
It’s not up to football fans who reffs our games lol
The petition has relevance to the 15,000 plus who have signed it Dan.
Remember the cry about supporters influence?
Have you changed your mind about that?
The petition is for what though ?
There not going to let fans dictate who reffs their games because they don’t like him lol
All clubs will do that
Can you imagine what that will cause
He will reff again this weekend and I guarantee will reff another Arsenal game
So yes that petition will make no difference
Still no remorse about the Liverpool game though Dan – some might think your refusal to acknowledge you were wrong, is actually abusing those Liverpool fans you so easily condemned!
Why are you soooo reluctant to admit you got it wrong, especially after accusing me of lying?
As for not mentioning the police seeing the abusive messages, when I picked this up, there was no mention of that.
That’s why I thought I mention it lol
Don’t want fans thinking it’s not true
Has any fan said it’s not true Dan?
No but if they don’t know that the media are saying they have seem the threats they might go off the wrong sources that have not been confirmed
Forgot to mention, any news on that Liverpool apology Dan, as you are very keen on telling everyone that you remember this and that about Mr Oliver, but it seems to have slipped your memory that you wrote a very long article about their supporters, which, if I remember correctly, was very abusive.
As you remembered my thoughts about Keane and his headbutt, I think it’s only fair that you should, at least, remember the article or, better still, reproduce it in order to rebutt my suggestion that you were wrong?
Well that’s who the topic is about
And other people all day have brought up his record
I’m just pointing out the games they casually forgot where we benefitted
But you brought up Roy Keane and told me what I said and I acknowledged your excellent memory, even though the subject wasn’t about him… so what about acknowledging my excellent memory with regards to your article on the Liverpool fans?
Because it’s an example of Arsenal fans being accused of something and someone trying to go ‘ people are saying it’s not true ‘ when media have sources that have confirmed it
I don’t have an excellent memory lol
Oh I found it on BBC and Sky Sports right away lol
Just so people are not wrongly led ….
‘
BBC Sport has been shown examples of some of the abuse posted on social media platforms about Oliver including death threats and threats to make his home address public.’
What time was that Dan and what time did I post my information?
Just so that nobody gets misled of course!
What time ?
Was on BBC all day yesterday
What time did I post my information Dan and what time did the BBC first publish them?
All day starts at midnight!!
Don’t know mate
Just says 2 days ago
I read it yesterday morning
I posted it on the 27th January at 5 36 Dan, following the reading of it on Google.
What time and date did the BBC say they had seen the actual threatening posts?
Don’t know mate , go read article
Not sure how / if you can find out
Important young Gooners read this
When it was reported Roy Keane was attacked at the Emirates and Richards got involved and camera footage and a witness confirmed it ……guess what was said on here ?
How do we know ?
Richards could be not telling the truth ?
Sky Sports could not be telling the truth ?
How do we know there Is a camera ?
Dan name anytime you have heard not nice chants at the Emirates because we never have
No one likes Arsenal ……
Guess what ……man went to jail
So all the above means that Michael Oliver could not possibly be biased against Arsenal, does it?
Sigh.
Yes mate
If someone is sent to the monitor in a game we have to win to have a chance of being Champions and says no Arsenal goal stands I would say that’s the opposite of being.biased lol
What are you talking about now? None of your latest stuff was said in the post I responded to.
You just lurch from one assertion to another – no logic to it, never prepared to admit you’re wrong, not even prepared to go away quietly – always another wild assertion or twisted piece of pseudo-logic gets posted. 🙄
I see Michael Oliver in my nightmares 🥺
May I take this opportunity to congratulate Dan and Ken for their amazing stamina.Keep up the good work gentlemen.
I’ve got to agree with Grandad. Dan and Ken, I’m shattered and I’m just reading this stuff.😊👍
Give us our own show lol
Dan,
I don’t think I could take it.😂👍
Neither could I mate lol
Grandad, I see that The Arsenal have appealed the red card.
Whatever the outcome, I can see another “War of the Words”!!
It was quite enjoyable, especially when one remembers we are both fans of the same club 😂
The article puts forward some good info then loses its way at the end with this:
“Now, while I’m not someone who subscribes to the idea of the PGMOL having an agenda against us, those figures are undeniably suspicious.”
The article was about Michael Oliver – then you start talking about PGMOL having an agenda. That’s illogical – the stats suggest there may be bias, intentional or otherwise, by that one ref and only by that ref.
However, that said, if there is to be an investigation, it must be wide enough that it’s not about one person or PGMOL, it would need to be along the lines of “Why are the decisions in the PL so much worse than in other major leagues?”.
To answer that question it can have a wide remit to look into everything – training, age of officials, their pay… and also their personal finances, relationships, background (where they were born, who did they support as a kid etc).
Basically, it cannot be seen to be a witch-hunt, it has to be seen as something intended as constructive, looking to improve refereeing standards etc.
👍Neutral. I especially agree with your third, fourth, and fifth paragraphs. Unfortunately, until there are clear monetary detriments to PGMOL or other interests continuing to be vested in the status quo, things are not likely to change.
One other thing – how is it decided who referees each match?
– Do refs get to express a preference for which matches they want to do each week?
– Is their background taken into account – e.g. people from Manchester area not allowed to referee matches involving Manchester clubs?
– Do PGMOL ask refs which clubs they support and take that into consideration when allocating match duties?
I’m sure refs must have their own feelings about clubs, as spectators do – there should be some attempt to take account of that, tricky though it may be.
Someone suggested that var should be taken away from PGMOL and no referees, either current or ex, should be involved.. I think that’s an excellent idea and, in my opinion, it should be made up of ex players from different parts of the country.
But I can’t see Webb giving up this kind of power can anyone else?
OT, Having read the article where Mr Coote explains the terrible experiences in his life and how he struggled with his sexualility, it makes me think how easy it is to be judgemental without knowing all the facts.
I only hope he can find some kind of peace now and others let him get on with his life.
Well some good news, Ken1945
Skelly has had his red card rescinded
SueP,
I’ve just read that Michael Oliver is appealing that decision.
It’s on the grounds of conspiracy and bias against him.🤣😂😁😉👍
You’re/your on good form tonight Derek😊
There, their, they’re you go again SueP.
I don’t think anyone else will get this post, other than SueP.😉👍
Derek 👍👍👍I think that’s a contender for best reply of the season.
Bruised Banana,
Thanks for the compliment. You’ve got to have a laugh haven’t you.😁👍
Brilliant!!
Thanks Ken1945,
I try my best.👍
Just saw that myself SueP. Glad to see justice was done.
It adds fuel to the flames on officiating standards. Oliver, yes of course, but perhaps mostly the VAR people who had many replays and all the time the player was walking off the pitch to see sense.
Why did they not ask the ref to look at it again?
Oliver’s seniority is quoted but I agree with you wholeheartedly
Perhaps he’ll be taken down in peg or two after this ruling SueP?
The only word I can think of, after all the publicity regarding his decision, is humiliated… and rightly so in my opinion.
Not sure mate
For years red cards have been overturned and officials carried on working
I can’t think of one single red card being overturned, where the decision was backed to the hilt by the PGMOL though Dan.
Therein lies the difference and the overwhelming reaction by the vast majority (Jon Fox!! 😂) ensured justice was done.
Do you believe justice was done Dan?
Of course , never should have been a red
Brought down a peg or two ?
He’s refereeing in the Prem this weekend lol
Don’t think your ‘ investigation ‘ is happening mate
I didn’t call for an investigation actually, as I use my eyes and can see how Mr Oliver referees our matches, but not to worry.
Did you have another example of a red card from Mr Oliver (or any other referee) being backed by the PGMOL overturned by the way?
When did I say I did
I said I seen red cards overturned
Can I ask why you meant by you hope it brings him down a peg or two ?
You said “For years red cards have been overturned and referees have carried on working” at 8.55pm – get a grip Dan!!
What did I mean about bringing him down a peg or two?
He referees with no regard to the rule book, as was perfectly illustrated by Howard Webb no less, when Mr Oliver failed to send Kovacic off for the foul on Rice.
“He doesn’t want to spoil the
spectacle of the game” – couldn’t find that anywhere in the rule book, so it seems Mr Oliver and Mr Webb need to understand that it’s the rule book that counts, not their opinions and this overturning of another one of Mr Oliver’s interpretations of the rule book has certainly brought him down a peg or two… maybe even three or four!!
Note how I answer your questions Dan 🤔👍
Yeah I’m not getting your point mate
I have seen for years reds get overturned and I maintain that
Then you asked how about reds where PGMOL have backed up decision and I said ‘ oh I have to check that ‘
How his him working next week being brought down a peg or two ?
Literally nothing has changed apart from cowards threatening his family.?
If your not getting my point Dan, then your not reading my questions and answers to you.
When did you say “Oh I have to check that?” as I can’t seem to find any where.
Mr Oliver working this weekend, has nothing to do with the way his decision to show a red card and not follow the rule book, being publicly ridiculed and shown to be completely wrong, but if you can’t see that, then that’s fine by me
Love the way you sneaked in that one about cowards threatening his family – something we all agree on, but that HASN’T changed!!
Once again, it validates my point that they were two different issues that needed and were treated separately in order to come to the correct decisions on both, wouldn’t you agree?
Stupid idea. Giving the VAR job to people that have not had decades of training in the laws of the game is as insane as it comes. Why do so many make such comments without thinking about them logically.
Gooner Jack, with all the problems regarding those who have had decades of training in the laws of the game, I don’t think we should use that as a yardstick to judge others!!
If the role of a monitor is given to ex professionals who have played the game at the highest level and know the ins and outs of what goes on in the field of play, while actually knowing the rules of the game as well, surely that’s an advantage?
Not one current PL referee has played the game at the top and don’t stick to the laws of the game anyway!!
So it’s absolutely logical to use the experience of ex players while using VAR and making them Independant from the PGMOL.
It will also allow a more even spread of individuals across the country to participate.
It would be insanity NOT to use the wealth and experience of these ex professionals and it’s absolutely logical.
What problems? That is exaggerated, stats prove that officials getting it right has never ever been higher. Secondly, any footballer alive that has not spent decades training to be a ref will never know the rules inside out like trained officials do. That is madness to think ex players can do a job they are not trained to do and then how many employees would you need to avoid bias, I mean Martin Keown on VAR for a Arsenal game or Gary Neville on VAR for a Man Utd game, you would literally need hundreds and based on what you suggest, all former pros that have never been trained as refs. You have not thought this through logically, do you honestly think the head people at every single FA throughout the world, FIFA and every federation are that stupid to ignore your suggestion, of course not, they know it makes zero sense what you suggest. Finally, it is not ex pros in Tennis, NFL and any other sport you can name that uses former pos, they use trained officials, yet you think your suggestion for football is the holy grail. Come on Ken, I read your comments, you are a clever man but this suggestion is ridiculous.
Gooner Jack, I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree, but the one example I would give you is this :
Both the match day referee, the four VAR referees and the head of the PGMOL all agreed that the red card shown to Skelly was the correct decision.
Every ex professional football pundit disagreed.
It took just three hours for the five Independant panel, made up of ex players and referees (we are led to believe) to overturn that decision – a decision supported, I suggest, by an overwhelming majority of football fans as well.
The official stats I presume you mention, are under the guidance of the PGMOL (or at least they were under Mike Riley) and, from my example above, one can see that this organisation will stick together, is very secretive and polices itself.
It even makes referees sign a non disclosure form before they retire and get their golden handshake.
Just on your point about needing hundreds of ex players, why do you think that’s the case? It will be an easy situation to find out who played for what club and with modern day technology, I would estimate no more than 80 would be needed for a full 19 match day (19 x4) with a reserve squad of, say 20, to round it up to a maximum of 100.
I don’t know for sure how many officials are under the PGMOL umbrella, but it has to be around that 80 mark anyway.
The final plus, in my opinion, would be the suggested pool of 80 to 100 ex professional players, would come from all regions of the country, rather than the situation we find ourselves in at the moment, where not one PL referee comes from the south of England.
I have thought this through and, of course, I may be wrong, but surely we cannot carry on the way we are, with the
PGMOL having no redress for its mistakes, policing itself and, quite frankly, by giving Mr Oliver a PL game to referee this weekend, putting two fingers up to everyone else!!
As I say, I’m sure we’ll agree to disagree, but I thought I should give you my detailed response to your fine response.
Just checked and there are 162 referees and 350 assistants, which makes your claim that my scheme would need 100’s sort of equal the 350 assistants they already have…. in fact, if my suggested 100 was workable (it’s only a number) it would cost a lot less.
Ken can I ask ( and this is me asking ) when you say,
by giving Mr Oliver a PL game to referee this weekend, putting two fingers up to everyone else!! your saying maybe he should be banned for the weekend for punishment correct ?
What happens then if We played City and another official makes an error , does that official then get banned ?
Just wondering how that would work.?
Hi Dan, hope you and Angus rap some more and I never knew that emenem stood for that. My friend Angus got a little excited, but don’t we all at one time or another?
On to your question :
It’s more the fact that Howard Webb has given Mr Oliver a game, despite him making a mistake that, I would suggest, the vast majority of football followers thought was wrong and so it proved.
I think this is a unique situation, where the on field referee, the four var officials and the head of the PGMOL were as one, closed ranks and rushed to support each other.
In my opinion, that’s different to a referee making a mistake that can be seen as, either, correct or not, by the footballing fraternity.
But, as I’ve said before, there is no consequence for a mistake, just a few words from HW and on we go again – this was different, because the PGMOL backed him to the hilt and they were wrong.
So, as I see it, HW turned around and said up yours, we don’t care what you all say and we’re not backing down.
To prove it, Mr Oliver will continue to referee and here’s his punishment, another PL game.
I cannot think of another scenario like this and, if I’m honest, I feel cheated that they’ve done this – maybe I’m over reacting, but with what’s gone on in the past with Mr Oliver and our club that’s my view.
Hope that explains my reaction to you.
I realized I didn’t answer your first question and yes he should have been banned, along with the var officials for at least the same number of games that Skelly would have missed.
Yes so I was wondering with interest let’s say they tried to make officiating better but say in 10 league games there were 3 matches where reffs had a stinker how would you / we police that ?
The VAR officials in my opinion.seem to have escaped any criticism really
No mate he was trying to get you to gang up with him
I hope when admin is back on his feet he notices a few comments (.not from you )
I am keeping an eye on comments, if you see anything I miss let me know
Admin Martin
I was just noticing an increase In asking me a question but if not liking my answer what I would describe as passive aggressive.
For example, ‘ are you thick or a troll ?’or ‘ Duh’
Then an increase in me being mentioned between others conversations. Ken was asked to go and check a video because lyrics remind them of me . We laughed it off to make him stop but that’s crossing the line
While I accept that I’m in the minority on this issue ( on here not in the mainstream media) me and Ken were simply having a friendly debate .
You will then see me being asked questions but ridiculed if I don’t give the right answer .
I was preparing to start predictions again and think Man City might get a result at the Emirates but wrote Arsenal to win just so people would lay off .
The irony is for someone accused of not loving Arsenal I have contributed to this site as much as anyone
So new rule anyone who is rude to me I will not engage with
I have read through the comments of @Angus and they do not specifically break the rules, however, I can see that he is being antagonistic towards you and I know that can be both irritating and annoying. My advice would be to not engage with him and I will continue to monitor the interactions because while there are no specific rules broken, bullying will not be tolerated. If Angus reads this I would also advise him to no longer engage with you, it is far better if you both just leave each other alone from now on. As for not posting something because you do not want to offend anyone with your opinions or predictions I would advise not to do that, post what you want (within the rules) and if you feel Arsenal would lose then say so, that is what creates healthy debate and we all want that. Hope this helps calm the situation for all involved.
Cool mate
It’s more the lyrics to what he’s asking people to listen too
Anyway moving on
Let me know / email me when your ready for predictions
Send to Pat as usual and they will be forwarded on to me.
Is he back now ?
Is he back now ?
I can send to you instead for the meanwhile
No, he is not but send to him, it will get forwarded to me
Cool
Actually send it direct to me Dan, I will email you so you have my email
Dan, there are 160 referees within the PGMOL organisation and I don’t think covering for referees is a problem.
What is a problem is the lack of responsibility and punishment (that’s not the word I’m looking for, but I can’t think what it is!!)
A player can be fined, banned and could have his ban increased if he loses an appeal.
A manager can be fined, banned from the touchline and, once again, have his sentence increased, if he loses an appeal.
All of the above is done in the public domain, with players and managers shown in the stands while they serve out their punishment.
There is no deterrent for any of the officials when they make mistakes, it’s a shrug of the shoulders, a worthless apology, a promise that they will take the mistake on board and, then, the referee gets another PL game, along with the var officials and so it goes on.
This is the problem with an organisation that polices itself – there is no accountability whatsoever.
We, the fans, the players and the clubs deserve more in my opinion
By the way, just to follow up on the conversation you had with Derek, I agree wholeheartedly with you that the play acting and time wasting should be cut out of the game and yellow cards used for that purpose.
I don’t know for sure if the four second rule for keepers to distribute the ball is still around, but it should be.
Sorry for the long answer, hope I’ve covered everything.
Just saw your reply to admin and I support you 100%
I’m sure Angus will be scratching his head this morning.
Yeah accountability your asking for ?
I get that
I think it’s a society thing Ken
I don’t get it ?
As In…..
Lets say I say to you Ken ,
I think we got a great young team but I worry about their mentality and without a striker I just can’t see us going on the run needed to catch Liverpool
Lets say you disagree right ?
That’s cool isn’t it ?
That’s healthy ?
But why would a stranger care what you think to the point where they go im now going to call him name or get frustrated?
It’s weird to me
So like here when Sterling missed pen
‘ haha good answer, gutted the pen go in (guessing dan is happy because he has an anti-arsenal article ready to go)’
Think about that mindset , Sterling has missed a pen and the first thought is to attack me .
Then I’m reading in the comments another lad having a conversation with himself about me .
There’s one conversation where it’s like ‘ I’m tired of Dan ‘ and the other lad quite the ….Devil
If your tired of me why are you talking about me
Dan, I’m many things (good and bad!!) but I’m not a psychiatrist!!!
I just think Angus got over excited and you handled it well.
I have to admit it’s rather e weird though and I hate to think what Jon Fox or Phil would have said about it 😂
Dab5, our club have now been called out for surrounding the referee, Mr Oliver, after he, wrongly, brandished a red card to Skelly.
Meanwhile, no action has been taken against Mr Oliver, the four var officials or the head of the PGMOL, Mr Webb, for their actions.
I wonder how many other teams have surrounded the referee and not been charged this season alone?
Once again, our club is being singled out and it is, undoubtedly, a vendetta.
I’m all for punishing clubs that do this, especially as it’s in the rule book that only a player wearing the captain’s arm band should be allowed to approach the referee – we were wrong…. but why only The Arsenal?
It’s as if the authorities are saying, accept our decision, stop complaining or else we will continue to make examples of you.
That’s Dan not Dab5!!
This aberration of an FA charge is ridiculous. There was supposed to be a crackdown on this surrounding of the referee but to all of a sudden start enforcing it now especially when the red card has been rescinded and Oliver has been determined to be wrong in giving it? They are trying to deflect protest against the original and only true injustice but this seems to be only fanning the flames. Their position of power is being threatened and they don’t like it.
Even more information coming out and I’m hoping we ALL read this!!
It seems that Mr Oliver received death threats after the Liverpool Man Utd game and they were handed over to the police for investigation.
Three weeks later, after the Arsenal /Wolves game these threats were included in the threats Mr Oliver received from our game, as part of the smokescreen to divert away from Mr Oliver, the VAR team and the head of the PGMOL decision to support said decision
Now, if this is true and it seems to be gathering momentum in the media, can anyone deny what is going on with our club and the PGMOL?
By the way, my suggestion that two fingers were being put up to everyone… the PGMOL had designated Mr Oliver to referee our match against city 115 this weekend!!!
They have obviously backtracked due to the outcry following Skelly’s red card, but guess what?!?!
Four of the officials reassigned to the game, come from Lancashire!!!
I would love to know the thoughts of every football fan about the two finger salute that I believe is being given and especially the Arsenal fans on JA who think we should just accept what is going on
Note to my original comment. I realize this is not the first time for these charges against a team (including Arsenal) but still very unusual and infrequent given the number of infractions.
Ken1945,
It seems that Michael Oliver gets his way after all.🙄🤦♂️
The written reasons for the commission rescinding the red card were as follows:
“The Commission members were unanimous in their opinion that the referee had made an OBVIOUS error in sending off Myles Lewis-Skelly for the challenge that he had made.
The challenge was certainly ‘Foul Play’ but it OBVIOUSLY could not, to the mind of the Commission, be categorised as having been ‘Serious Foul Play’.
Myles Lewis-Skelly had stepped across his opponent and tripped him up, possibly deliberately, but in doing so he had OBVIOUSLY not endangered the safety of his opponent or used excessive force or brutality, nor had he ‘lunged’ in at his opponent.”
The club’s claim for Wrongful Dismissal was therefore deemed to have been successful and the standard punishment was withdrawn.”
How can the FA reasonably justify charging Arsenal for its players’ response in the immediate aftermath of a decision that was determined to be so blatantly wrong especially after not charging so many other instances by all clubs. Following the letter of the law just doesn’t cut it imo.
Oh Ken, you just do not get it do you? It is comments like this why Arsenal fans are seen the way we are, even I am embarrassed by all these agenda, corruption, conspiracy, and northern ref talk, it is now cringy. I know you will retort and think you have made a point but we have become a laughing stock with all this, I just wish some of my fellow Gooners would practice some self awareness.
Instead of having a go at me, why not try and refute the points I’m making?
Not so easy then is it?
Have a go and I’ll debate every point with you – let’s start with the fact that Mr Oliver was going to referee our match with city this weekend…. would you agree with that?
This will frustrate you mate
It’s separate isn’t it
Just because they made the wrong decision it’s not okay to surround official
That’s what I said all week to you.
Nothing was ever going to happen to M Oliver without evidence of corruption
It will be viewed as he got a decision wrong which happens for decades
What frustrates me Dan, is that other club’s players have surrounded the referees and no action has been taken.
That’s what I suggest gets up the noses of all fans, this never ending inconsistency.
Of course, the fact that this charge has been made following our successful appeal against the ridiculous red card, makes it difficult to swallow – it feels like if we can’t get you one way, we’ll get you another way to me, but that’s just my personal opinion.
I can’t argue that it’s not consistent and I don’t know the answer
I was interested in your idea of maybe every Monday a panel reviews decisions over a weekend but not sure how you police that ?
Issue is because others get away with something is that an excuse to do something that you know is wrong?
Think I gave someone this comparison the other day …..
If you drive without a seatbelt and the police person stops you and gives you a warning.
If I the next day get stopped for not wearing the seatbelt and get into trouble can I argue …..but Ken got away with it ?
Of course, now this injustice has been rectified, we can all hope that the culprits are found, named and shamed, who sent Mr Oliver those threats.
Have any of them actually been released in detail, as Kia Havertz wife did?
Well done Mikel Arteta for condemning the abuse of Mr Oliver without the use of the word but or doubting if the threats are real
Why just Mikel Arteta Dan?
I say well done to everyone on JustArsenal, as not one single person has come out doubting the threats or denying them either.
Nice to see your backing our manager by the way 👍
Some kept saying it was wrong but ….
And casually failed to mention crucial facts like the media being shown these threats
I’ll back the manager when he does well
Who said it was wrong on JA Dan?
I did explain why I didn’t mention the media being shown the abuse, if you want to believe otherwise, that’s your prerogative.
Is being second in the PL and third in the CL doing well?
You said some were questioning if his social media account exists ?
I was surprised you heard those sources but not the mainstream media saying his address had been given out m
When did I say this season wasn’t well ?
Arteta finished 2nd last season and I wrote he did a good job and he’s a good manager but not a great one .
For example last year someone said he’s revolutionised Arsenal . In those moments I will say he’s not been that great .
Other reffs have had red cards overturned
He made a mistake at his job
I don’t think that’s going to impact him .
Think he’s more concerned about someone threatening his 2 year old daughter and saying they will blow up his family then a red card being reversed ?
And yes I will sneak that in as Gooners need to know what these cowards are doing
I’m sure every Gooner knows what these cowards are doing Dan, as it’s been on the BBC all day hasn’t it?
Longer mate
Since yesterday
Not an issue mentioning it though is it ?
Arteta did in his press conference
Unfortunately cowards send death threats to Mr Oliver and his family it’s going to be mentioned
It’s an issue that deserves to be a standout on its own Dan, not part of another issue.
I find these creeps absolutely disgusting and they deserve to be named and shamed, with an article devoted to them and them alone.
I’m pleased THE BBC are covering it, are they reporting it as a separate incident.
I guess I’ll have to check it out myself and see if I can find when they first reported it.
Cant do any harm to point out these cowards
I respect anyone who chooses not to engage if they don’t like that