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      Chelsea star ‘called cop “f***ing stupid & white” after row over taxi fare on drunken night out with partner’

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      CHELSEA star Sam Kerr called a cop “f***ing stupid and white” after a row over a taxi fare erupted on a night out, a court heard.The 31-year-old was out with her partner – fellow footballer Kristie Mewis – when one was sick in the cab and the other smashed a window, it was said.Samantha Kerr is due to stand trial todayCredit: ReutersThe Chelsea star is accused of abusing a police officerCredit: GettyKingston Crown Court heard the pair were taken to Twickenham Police Station by the driver after refusing to pay clean-up costs.Once there, Kerr, who is currently sidelined from Chelsea with an ACL injury, allegedly became “abusive and insulting” towards Pc Stephen Lovell.Footage played to jurors showed the footballer saying: “Honestly, you guys are f***ing stupid and white”.Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC said the police officer was left “shocked, upset and humiliated” by the comments.He added: “He took offence to the comments that Ms Kerr made about his race because you may think that his being a white man really had nothing to do with anything.”Australia international Kerr has pleaded not guilty to racially aggravated harassment.The court heard she described the moment on January 30, 2023, as “heated” and said she was “just very angry at how I felt”.Mr Jones added: “Ms Kerr said that both herself and Ms Mewis were crying at the time.”Most read in FootballKerr’s lawyer Grace Forbes told jurors that no one disputes the words that were used but that they do not “make you guilty of a criminal offence”.She continued: “The words were a comment, however poorly expressed, about positions of power, about privilege, and how those things might colour perception.”Kerr has scored 99 goals in 128 matches since joining Chelsea in 2019.During her time there, the team has won four Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, two Women’s League Cups and the Women’s Community Shield.But the striker was crocked in January last year at the club’s warm weather training camp in Morocco.Kerr is her country’s all-time record goalscorer with 64 goals in 125 games for the Matildas.She has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin – the top prize in women’s football – every year since its inception in 2018.Kerr is in a relationship with fellow footballer Kristie, with the couple getting engaged last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey announced in November they are expecting a baby together.The trial continues.Kerr has denied the offencesCredit: GettyThe Australia captain is currently sidelined due to injuryCredit: GettyKerr is engaged to fellow footballer Kristie MewisCredit: InstagramThe couple are expecting a baby togetherCredit: PA More

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      Kyle Walker’s football agent at centre of drugs raid after cops uncover over 90 cannabis plants DAYS after AC Milan deal

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      THE home of a top football agent who helped seal Kyle Walker’s move to AC Milan was last night at the centre of a drugs raid.Michael Rankine, 40, joined the former Manchester City skipper on his private jet last week as he flew out to sign for the Italian giants.Michael Rankine, above at at Kyle Walker’s unveiling in Milan, was at the centre of a drugs raidRankine also represents Chelsea and England ace Cole PalmerThe ex-footballer was even photographed with the England full-back as he was unveiled to the fans holding up his new number 32 shirt.But 48 hours after he returned to the UK, a police raid at his home was said to have uncovered more than 90 cannabis plants with a potential street value of £75,000.They also recovered equipment used to produce the Class B drug.A source said: “It was a huge shock to everyone after what should have been a ­triumphant return from Italy.”READ MORE IN SPORTSThey added: “Michael flew out with Kyle in his jet on Thursday. His uncle Mark, who is Kyle’s agent, was also on the flight.“They got the deal over the line and were jubilant. Michael posed with Kyle for pictures, returned to the UK over the weekend and then on Monday his home was raided by police.”Rankine, who played as a striker for Doncaster Rovers, Scunthorpe and Bournemouth during a 16-year career, is employed as a consultant for London firm CAA Base.It represents a host of Premier League footballers such as Tottenham’s Son Heung-min and James Maddison and manager Ange Postecoglu.Most read in FootballOn its website, CAA Base said Rankine joined the company in late 2018 after retiring from the game. It adds: “Based in Yorkshire, he helps recruit, manage and guide young professional footballers.” His ex-pro uncle, Mark, who played for Wolves and Sheffield United, also works for the company.Kyle Walker lands in Italy to complete AC Milan loan dealHe represents players including Chelsea and England ace Cole Palmer and New­castle and former Three Lions defender Kieran Trippier.Rankine is also a cousin of former Tottenham Hotspur and England star Danny Rose.South Yorkshire police ­confirmed in a statement that officers executed a warrant at an address in Doncaster.The raid happened on a busy residential street in full view of neighbouring families.Police added: “Following officers entering the property, we discovered a cannabis set-up.”The Sun contacted CAA for comment. Walker’s loan deal is tipped to lead to a full-time £4million summer move.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Rankine during his playing days for Scunthorpe in 2005Credit: Getty More

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      Watch as notorious Ferencvaros ultras disguise themselves as STEWARDS to launch brutal brawl on rival AZ Alkmaar fans

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      THIS is the shocking moment notorious Ferencvaros ultras disguise themselves as stewards and launch a surprise brawl against their European rivals.Ferencvaros, often dubbed Hungary’s most feared football fans, kicked off a huge melee with AZ Alkmaar supporters in their tense Europa League clash on Thursday. The fake security managed to get close enough to the AZ Alkmaar fans through teir high visibility jacketsCredit: X/@thecasualultraDrinks were thrown at the raging crowds from both sides of the standsCredit: X/@footbalIfightsThe hooligan security managed to mix in with the actual security teams to pull off the brazen planCredit: X/@thecasualultraRiot police ended up being called in to deal with the clashesCredit: X/@thecasualultraThe Hungarian champions narrowly won the game 4-3 despite a late AZ Alkmaar surge in extra time when they scored twice.But the action on the pitch was overshadowed by fighting up in the stands.Footage shows dozens of Ferencvaros ultras secretly dressed up in high visibility security jackets making their way down the stairs in Budapest’s Groupama Arena.Their sneaky plan saw them mix in with the actual security policing the away end to keep any trouble at bay between the two sets of supporters.read more in hooliganism The large group of men managed to get as close as possible to the AZ Alkmaar fans before punches were thrown – sparking chaos in the stands.Both sets of supporters then appear to start launching strikes at each other in the brutal brawl.Onlooking fans from either side of the railings quickly noticed the fighting with drinks soon flying in from several angles at the fiery crowd.The genuine security teams in place could be seen trying to break up the brawl as the melee continued on for some time.Most read in FootballRiot police equipped with protective visors and batons were soon forced to be drafted in as the fake security broke through into the stands.The Europa League game between Ferencvaros and AZ Alkmaar was always tipped to be a highly intense affair due to the history of both sides.Moment shocking brawl breaks out at Old Trafford as Rangers fans ‘infiltrate Man Utd end’ with club set to investigate Ferencvaros’ fans have long been considered one of the most violent teams in Central Europe over past altercations. Governing body UEFA have sanctioned the club on several occasions in the past.Hooligans linked to the club reportedly stabbed four Millwall fans in 2004 before a UEFA Cup match.Uefa also charged the club over crowd trouble and racist abuse directed towards Millwall players.Then in 2013, fans also fought with police after a friendly match against Leeds United.AZ Alkmaar away days are also known to English fans as a potentially volatile trip.In 2023, hooded AZ Alkmaar yobs smashed down barriers to storm their own main stand via two sets of stairs and attack West Ham supporters. Several West Ham players, including sporting director Mark Noble, rushed to help protect them from the thugs – who were dressed in black and wearing balaclavas.There were also clashes between West Ham and AZ fans ahead of kick-off, who again were masked as they caused mayhem on the streets of Alkmaar.A local news outlet described it being a “grim atmosphere” before and during the match.AZ’s hooliganism is said to stem from the club’s early days with a group known as the “Ben Side” supporters.The name refers to where the group sits in the Jan van der Ben stand, which was named after a predecessor club’s chairman.The group claims they “made their mark for the first time” during an away match at Feyenoord in 1977, according to an AZ supporter website.There they clashed with opposition fans, throwing beer bottles and cans at players.In another notorious meeting, the group clashed with Haarlem in June 1977.Riots ensued over the game, with many supporters brining knives, and cops later made several arrests.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 16-year-old was stabbed and around 28 people arrested during a particularly horrific altercation in March 1986 between AZ and PSV fans.The teenager, a PSV fan who was not identified, was rushed to hospital.AZ Alkmaar away days are also known to English fans as a potentially volatile trip after fights broke out in 2023 with West Ham supportersCredit: GettyThe AZ Alkmaar brawl saw masked and hoodied yobs attackCredit: Getty More

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      Roma and Frankfurt fans throw flares as riot police called in after violent scenes in Europa League clash

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      RIOT POLICE were called into action during Roma’s Europa League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.The hosts emerged from the game victorious thanks to goals from Angelino and Eldor Shomurodov.Police were forced to intervene as Roma and Frankfurt fans clashedCredit: RexUltras from both sides attempted to throw flares and pyro towards their rivalsCredit: RexFour arrests had been made even before the gameCredit: RexHowever, shortly after Roma took the lead police were forced to intervene as fans started throwing flares.Fan-captured footage from inside the Stadio Olimpico showed police swarming up the stairs of the stands and ushering fans away from the protective glass separating them from rivals.A second video showed pyro being launched from one section of fans and into the other during the police intervention.Another showed how police and stewards had formed an extra barrier of protection at half-time to keep the two sides separate, while flares were ignited within the sections of the crowd.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFan tension had been rife even before the match.According to Italian media, four Roma fans were arrested ahead of the game who were involved in an attempted raid on Eintracht Frankfurt supporters’ shuttle buses heading to the stadium.The report says two of the fans arrested were minors, with the incident taking place near the Piazzale delle Belle Arti, a known meeting place for fans before games.Frankfurt’s strong campaign in the Europa League League Phase effectively secured them a spot in the top regardless of what might happen elsewhere on the final matchweek.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd despite suffering a 2-0 loss – just the second defeat of their European campaign – they came fifth in the overall standings.The Bundesliga outfit will play one of FCSB, Ajax, Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOK in the last-16.Champions League clash suspended after just 72 seconds with players unable to see due to smoke caused by fans’ flaresMeanwhile, Roma have had a far more stop-start campaign and would have crashed out completely if they had not won last night.As it goes, they will now face a play-off round for the chance to get into the last-16 of the competition.Roma will play one of Ferencvaros or Porto in their play-off and could set up a heated last-16 tie against hated rivals Lazio.Who faces who in the Europa League?Here’s a look at the ties across the competition…Teams who finished from ninth to 24th in the Europa league phase will play off to decide who reaches the last-16.PLAYOFF ROUNDBodo/Glimt vs Twente or FenerbahceAnderlecht vs Twente or FenerbahceFCSB vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKAjax vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKReal Sociedad vs AZ Alkmaar or MidtjyllandGalatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar or MidtjyllandRoma vs Ferencvaros or PortoPlzen vs Ferencvaros or PortoWinners of playoff ties will then face the teams who finished in the top eight of the league phase in the last-16…LAST 16Lazio vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or PortoAthletic Bilbao vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or PortoMan Utd vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ AlkmaarTottenham vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ AlkmaarFrankfurt vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKLyon vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKOlympiakos vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or FenerbahceRangers vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or FenerbahceUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Police manhunt for ex-Cardiff and QPR star, 44, once dubbed Wales’ most promising footballer as he’s wanted back in jail

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      COPS have launched a manhunt for an ex-Cardiff and QPR star who was once dubbed Wales’ most promising footballer.Leonne Jeanne, 44, has been “recalled to prison” by South Wales Police.South Wales Police have appealed for information about Leonne JeanneCredit: Wales News ServiceThe ex-QPR and Cardiff star is being recalled to prisonCredit: South Wales PoliceJeanne turned out for QPRCredit: Action ImagesThe former footy star was convicted of dangerous driving in 2019 after being chased by police at 100mph on the same road where his son was found dead. He was later sent to prison for breaching a curfew.Four years earlier, in 2015, he had been jailed for 30 months for his part in a plot to supply cocaine.The police appeal said: “Leonne Jeanne. Age: 44. From Cardiff. Recalled to Prison. Give reference 2500002271.”Read More in FootballThe talented young footballer began his career with Queens Park Rangers before joining his hometown team Cardiff City. However, Jeanne suffered from drug and alcohol addiction and was given a two-year suspended ban by the Football Association of Wales after testing positive for a class A drug. Continued disciplinary problems eventually led to his release from Cardiff.In June 2011, Jeanne joined then Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion for pre-season training in a bid to earn a contract and play football at a high level once more. Most read in FootballJeanne started the 2011–12 season playing for Welsh Premier League side Afan Lido but left before the start of the 2012–13 season to join Carmarthen Town.He would go on to play just six times more for Port Talbot Town before his career sadly came to an end in 2015.Shock moment Aston Villa & Celtic fans clash before Champions League showdown as FLARE launched towards home supportersTwo years ago, Jeanne was allowed out on day release from prison to attend the funeral of his son, who was among three people to die in a horror car crash in Cardiff.Jeanne, then 42, was flanked by two police officers as he mourned son Rafel, 24, at the church service.Rafel Jeanne and pals Eve Smith, 21, Darcy Ross, 21, died when their white VW Tiguan crashed near Newport, Wales.Leonne had to attend the funeral in handcuffs as he served a ten-year prison sentence after being jailed for conspiracy to supply cocaine.His son Rafel and five friends had been enjoying a night out in Newport before vanishing at 2am.Their car was only found 46 hours later in the tragedy.Father Leonne wore a blue Nike tracksuit and was seen handcuffed to a cop as he made his way inside the church.Jeanne turning out for QPR in 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdFormer pro-footballer Jeanne was in handcuffs as he attended his son’s funeral in 2023Credit: WNSRafel Jeanne-Actie died in a horror crash 2 years agoCredit: WNSRafel’s funeral was held at St Peter’s Church in Cardiff with hundreds of mourners dressed in black for attendance followed by a cremation service.Traditional Welsh hymns Calon Lan and Ar Hyd y Nos were sung at the church and the service at the crematorium concluded with Told You by rappers Yung Tory and Nafe Smaz.Quad bikes followed the hearse and family cars, revving their engines.Shane Loughlin, 32, and Sophie Russon, 20, were critically injured and taken to hospital in the crash.However, Loughlin was sentenced for dangerous driving although his sentence was later reduced in 2024.The offences were not connected with the crash that happened later that nightREAD MORE SUN STORIESHe was not driving at the time of the crash in St Mellons, Cardiff, but had driven the same car while inhaling laughing gas just hours before.Loughlin was a passenger in the Volkswagen Tiguan when it veered off the A48 in east of Cardiff and crashed into undergrowth back in March 2023.Jeanne played for Cardiff among other clubsCredit: Huw EvansJeanne pictured in his Wales U21 stripCredit: CollectHe was once dubbed Wales’ most promising footballerCredit: WNS More

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      Man Utd star Nicky Butt’s 50th party at centre of police probe after ‘head-butt’ left security guard with ‘broken nose’

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      MANCHESTER United star Nicky Butt’s 50th birthday party is at the centre of a police probe after an alleged head-butt left a security guard with a suspected broken nose.Cops are questioning witnesses and scouring CCTV footage from celeb haunt Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire.Ex-Manchester United player Nicky Butt’s 50th birthday party is at the centre of a police probeCredit: PAGary Neville was at the event where an alleged head-butt left a security guard with a suspected broken noseCredit: GettyFellow class of ’92 star Paul Scholes also attendedCredit: AlamyGuests included David and Victoria Beckham, plus Class of 92 pals Paul Scholes and Gary Neville.A source said: “There was blood everywhere. People were shocked.”The clash followed an afternoon of drinking after 30 people moved on from the private dining room to a bar area at Soho Farmhouse near Great Tew, Oxfordshire.Trouble is said to have flared between 7pm and 8pm after a man left the bar to go outside.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe security guard is said to have spotted the man relieving himself against a courtyard wall.He approached the man and remonstrated with him.It is alleged the man then snapped in a drunken fury and head-butted the guard.Police said they received a report of the alleged assault at 9.15pm, around two hours after it happened and as the extent of the guard’s injuries became known.Most read in FootballOfficers then turned up at the members-only club which also offers £800-a-night cabins.A source said: “The guard went to have a word with the guy causing offence and was then head-butted in the face.Gary Neville tells Match of the Day legend ‘please stop putting me forward as Man Utd manager’“There was blood everywhere and people were shocked as the guard came inside with his face in a total mess.”The Beckhams — who have a £12million estate around the corner from Soho Farmhouse — returned home soon after the ­incident.Butt, Neville, Scholes and their partners also left to be driven back to their homes near ­Manchester.The wounded guard was taken to hospital for treatment to facial injuries.He has given police a full statement and is said to be currently off work recovering from his injuries.Thames Valley Police confirmed their attendance and investigation.Nobody has been arrested so far.Midfielder Butt turned 50 on January 21 and had invited a host of friends to the lunch party last Friday, January 24.They included his teammates from the Class of 1992, a crop of exceptional young United talents who emerged that year and remain close friends.The source added: “There were a few well-known faces there ­including some of the 1992 class and their wives and girlfriends, including Victoria Beckham. “They were there for a lunch to celebrate Nicky Butt’s 50th birthday and the drinks were flowing all afternoon.”The class of ’92 were a cohort of youth players who ascended to the Man U first team in 1992Credit: GettyThe venue was celeb haunt Soho Farmhouse, OxfordshireCredit: soho farmhouseGuests included David and Victoria BeckhamCredit: GettyThe source added: “It’s the very last place you would expect to hear of that kind of behaviour going on. “Soho Farmhouse is very upmarket and fashionable.“This kind of incident is certainly not a regular occurrence there.“The other guests and staff alike were all shocked about what happened. “It ruined a lovely day.”A police spokesman confirmed: “An assault at a business premises in Great Tew was reported to Thames Valley Police at about 9.15pm on January 24.“It is alleged that a man assaulted a member of security.“Thames Valley Police is conducting a thorough investigation, including taking a statement from and supporting the victim, obtaining and reviewing any CCTV available and taking witness statements.“No arrests have been made at this time.”The Class of 92 formed the nucleus of the Manchester United team which went on to win more than 20 trophies under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Butt, Becks, 49, Scholes, 50, Ryan Giggs, 51, and brothers Gary Neville, 49, and Phil, 48, featured in a 2013 ­documentary about their rise and stellar careers.A second series was made in 2016 and featured the ex-players — minus Beckham — buying Salford City FC.Butt had been CEO of League Two Salford until quitting last year.The six Class of 92 players ­collectively won an extraordinary 120 trophies between them — including two Champions Leagues.Giggs lifted 35 trophies in 963 games for the Red Devils while Butt won 14 in 387 matches.Beckham won 12 in 394 games, Gary Neville got 20 in 602 games and brother Phil, now based in the US, lifted 14 in 386 games.Meanwhile, Scholes won 25 trophies in 718 games.Former England captain Beckham and some of his four children are said to be regulars at Soho ­Farmhouse, which featured in the acclaimed Netflix documentary about him in 2023.A Soho Farmhouse spokesperson declined to comment last night.Nicky Butt played for United between 1992 and 2004Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdGary Neville captained Manchester United for many yearsCredit: PA:Press AssociationPaul Scholes is considered one of the best midfielders to play for the clubCredit: GettyDavid Beckham won many league titles with United, before transferring to Real Madrid in 2003Credit: GettyButt playing in a Manchester United charity gameCredit: GettyWhere the rich relaxULTRA-exclusive Soho Farmhouse has been touted as a “hamlet of hedonism” and “the country retreat for people who would otherwise never go to the country”.Deep in the Cotswolds, it is part of the international Soho House private members club and hosted Meghan’s hen party before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.Soho Farmhouse has been touted as a ‘hamlet of hedonism’Credit: Free for editorial useReality TV queen Kourtney Kardashian and pop star Dua Lipa have visited. Guest speakers have included ex-England and Liverpool footballer Jordan Henderson and actress Billie Piper.Entry is strictly members-only, with a hefty price tag attached.Rooms in the Grade II-listed farmhouse start at £295.Cabins set in its 100 acres cost even more.The rich and famous can relax at the luxury health club, heated pools, and country pub.There is a “lazy lake” with sunken hot tubs, an infrared sauna, plus steam and ice rooms.A “wellness barn” offers pilates, meditation, and fitness classes.Punters also have access to manicures and pedicures, facials and massages. Outdoor pursuits include horse riding, boating, clay shooting or tennis.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuests can marvel at original artworks and tuck into food from top-tier Japanese cuisine to a classic Sunday roast.Soho House owns a range of other swanky spots across the globe, including New York, Paris, Rome and Amsterdam. More

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      Rugby match called off after mass brawl which left one player with a broken jaw

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      AN amateur rugby match was abandoned following a mass brawl in front of shocked spectators.The ruck was sparked when two opposing players were sent off for fighting.An amateur rugby match was abandoned following a mass brawl in front of shocked spectators (stock photo)Credit: AlamyOne, playing for Gravesend then allegedly punched opposition Reeds Weybridge’s coach, who is said to have hit him back — knocking the player out and breaking his jaw.Other players and family and friends on the touchline then piled in on Saturday afternoon, witnesses said.The Regional 2 South East match, in Hersham, Surrey, was abandoned and police called.A witness said: “Throughout the game there were punches thrown and handbags.read more on rugby“Then at the end of the game there were two red cards for fighting.“Gravesend’s player walks off, punches the Reeds coach and he hit him back and it knocked him out.”Officers arrested and later bailed a man aged 30 on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.Another witness said: “What happened was a disgrace, especially with kids present.Most read in Football“The book should be thrown at both clubs.”A horrified dog walker said: “The match ended in a huge fight. It was absolutely disgraceful scenes.”It was a mass brawl with punches and stamps. Children were watching.”I went on a dog walk through Whitley Village. Instead I witnessed a reenactment of Passchendaele.”A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We attended the scene following reports of a facial injury.Eighth-tier football club move into former Rugby Premiership stadium with bigger capacity than Premier League side “One person was assessed and treated before being taken to St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey.”A joint statement from both teams read: “An unfortunate incident occurred towards the end of the game between Reeds Weybridge RFC and Gravesend RFC which saw a Gravesend player get injured.“The incident was dealt with properly at the time by the referee and pitch-side medical support from both clubs.“We would like to reassure our supporters that the player appears to be on the road to recovery and both clubs continue to support all those involved.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The incident was subsequently reported to the relevant authorities.“The management of both clubs have and continue to work closely together but we will not be making any further statements until all investigations have been completed.”The Regional 2 South East match, in Hersham, Surrey, was abandoned and police calledCredit: Getty More

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      Michael Oliver’s family home being guarded by police after referee received death threats following Lewis-Skelly red

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      MICHAEL OLIVER’S family home is being guarded by police, according to reports.The Premier League referee has been subjected to disgusting abuse and even received death threats in the wake of the red card he showed to Myles Lewis-Skelly.Michael Oliver has police protection after receiving death threatsCredit: GettyThe referee sent Myles Lewis-Skelly off for this challenge on Matt DohertyCredit: AlamyOliver, 39, dismissed the Arsenal youngster for his cynical trip on Matt Doherty in the first half of the Gunners’ 1-0 win away at Wolves on Saturday.He deemed the challenge as “serious foul play” – prompting a straight red and a three-match ban. The decision left Mikel Arteta “fuming” while the likes of Ian Wright, Pat Nevin, Keith Hackett and SunSport’s Mark Halsey shared their dismay. Many supporters also vented their anger at the decision.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut some of the reactions from fans were unacceptable as personal messages of hate and even sickening threats to kill Oliver and his two-year-old daughter. It is alleged one person vowed to smash the windows of their house – three weeks after an apparent threat to bomb Oliver’s car, the Daily Mail reports.And now The Times state the referee is under ongoing police protection.A police car was parked in the street of the family home on Sunday morning to check on their safety.Most read in FootballPolice patrols continue to operate around the family home while the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) are investigating the threats. The UKFPU is working with social media companies to track down the senders of the online messages. Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey slams decision not to overturn Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card in Arsenal’s win over WolvesA spokesperson said on Monday: “Officers from the UKFPU have launched an investigation after a number of abusive messages were directed toward a referee following a Premier League match.“On Sunday January 26 police were contacted by the UK Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in relation to social media messages directed towards referee Michael Oliver.“Enquiries are in the early stages and officers are working closely with social media providers, including Facebook and X, to identify those responsible for the messages.”The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) released their own statement on Sunday condemning the atrocious abuse.It said: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.”We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.”We will continue to support all investigations.”Arsenal were hoping the PGMOL would overturn the decision – as they did when Bruno Fernandes was “wrongfully” sent off against Tottenham in September.But on Tuesday the North Londoners officially lodged an appeal against the red card. As for Oliver, he will return to refereeing on Wednesday when he takes charge of Barcelona vs Atalanta in the Champions League.The official then was handed a huge relegation six-pointer on Saturday as Ipswich host Southampton – but will not be involved at the Emirates on Sunday when Arsenal host Manchester City.READ MORE SUN STORIESOliver, though, did get given the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park with Liverpool making the short trip to face Everton on February 12 in a game rearranged from December due to the storms.The decision to show the red card stunned manyCredit: GettyArsenal players, staff and fans were furiousCredit: GettyThe Gunners have officially launched an appealCredit: Getty More