Liverpool fans call for ‘spineless’ Michael Oliver to be sacked – ‘Incompetent’
Michael Oliver has been wrapped up in controversy again to the dismay of Liverpool supporters.
The referee, who is often referred to as the best official in the English game, sent off Arne Slot after full-time of the 2-2 draw with Everton (12 February).
The Reds boss served the first half of his touchline ban for the incident during the 2-0 win over Newcastle (26 February) that saw his side go 13 points clear at the summit of the Premier League.
It is safe to say that supporters of the Anfield outfit were less than impressed with Oliver and his latest actions have only served to increase irritation.
Michael Oliver involved in controversial FA Cup incident
The Reds had no stake in the FA Cup fifth round after they were knocked out of the competition with a 1-0 loss to Championship Plymouth.
However, many supporters were watching when Oliver decided to hand a yellow card to Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts for a horrendous collision with Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.
It was an obvious red card and luckily for Oliver, VAR was on hand to correct his initial error but that has not dampened the criticism for his initial misjudgment.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was hit with this challenge during Crystal Palace’s FA Cup tie against Millwall.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 1, 2025
He was taken off the pitch on a stretcher afterwards, we’re wishing him a speedy recovery. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/0OwG3EhAtJ
Liverpool fans slam Oliver after FA Cup error
Reds supporters are clearly still not over the fact that Slot has to serve a ban because Oliver dismissed his following his actions after the Goodison Park draw.
An immediate red card to Slot for an aggressive hand shake.
— Phoenix (@sazzam31) March 1, 2025
A yellow card for the worst tackle maybe ever seen on a football pitch.
Michael Oliver is spineless. And useless. And needs to be sacked.
Michael Oliver today proving why he’s the worst official in the game.
— Ian Young ⚽️🎬📖📱 (@ianyoungkop) March 1, 2025
The referee’s first priority is to protect the safety of players.
— Matt Ladson (@mattladson) March 1, 2025
Referee Michael Oliver didn’t even give this as a foul.
Absolutely no accountability. https://t.co/v8Dz87S2eX
Remember Michael Oliver’s on field decisions for these was zero card offences in his eyes… pic.twitter.com/Fc2q2Z2tnJ
— Shaun (@LfcShaunjudge) March 1, 2025
Aggressive handshake – direct red card
— Maty 🔴 (@Ma6eS_9) March 1, 2025
Unfortunate tactical foul – direct red card
Kick in the head – I’ll allow it
Kick in the chest – What kick?
Michael Oliver for you
It’s worth pointing out that Michael Oliver decided, in real time, that one of these incidents was a red card offence, and one of them wasn’t. pic.twitter.com/i0q4MTf2de
— Ste Hoare (@stehoare) March 1, 2025
Would be great if all the fans from different clubs raised their voices.
— Living Liverpool (@Livin_Liverpool) March 2, 2025
This was Michael Oliver yesterday and his view on the situation where Mateta was knocked out, a dangerous situation that resulted to 25 stitches and a severe laceration to his left ear.
Incompetent. pic.twitter.com/QJg3MwFZGR
Michael Oliver didn’t deem this a red card.. he has made too many major mistakes recently and shown major concern. He needs dropping. pic.twitter.com/LFeNYlups5
— Top Of The Kop (@TOTKHQ) March 1, 2025
Michael Oliver gave a yellow initially for this 😳😳
— Shaun (@LfcShaunjudge) March 1, 2025
He’s not fit to do the job anymore…
He’s corrupt and on the take…
pic.twitter.com/EAVV3rfuCZ
He loves a stood up high challenge does Michael Oliver dosent he. He was the ref who never gave a pen when Doke planted his studs into Mac Allisters ribs. Today, he also waved play on when Mateta took the studs to the head. Best ref in England though aye 😂 https://t.co/Jc8YXN6Au1 pic.twitter.com/hyxD0nX3Kx
— CG (@CMG3432) March 1, 2025
The 40-year-old is unlikely to get the Anfield faithful back on side anytime soon after the latest incident, if anything, it fuelled the fire against him, even if the Merseysiders are top of the league with a hefty advantage.
| Premier League | Played | GD | Points |
| 1. Liverpool | 28 | +40 | 67 |
| 2. Arsenal | 27 | +28 | 54 |
Fans of the L4 outfit are even more skeptical about Oliver’s status as the best referee in the country after the latest bizarre decision.
His decision to not sent off the Lions keeper is very similar to the refusal to send off Jeremy Doku and give the Anfield outfit a penalty last season in the fixture with Manchester City.
Liverpool were already subject to controversy surrounding officials earlier this season when David Coote was caught in a foul-mouthed rant about ex-Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and were the subject of arguably the biggest error in Premier League history when Luis Diaz was ruled offside against Tottenham last season.
The PGMOL have a major job on their hands to rebuild trust with Reds supporters.