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      Michael Oliver should not be exposed to Arsenal fans after death threats over Lewis-Skelly red card, says ex-Prem ref

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      MICHAEL OLIVER should not be given any Arsenal games by his refereeing bosses.SunSport whistler, ex-Prem ref Mark Halsey, says it is common sense to keep Oliver away from Gunners games for a while after he and his family were given police protection off the back of death threats.Michael Oliver received severe backlash for giving Myles Lewis-Skelly a controversial red card at the weekendCredit: GettyThe incident left Arsenal players and fans furiousCredit: GettyCops have been making round-the-clock checks on Oliver’s family home after he was the subject of sick abuse due to the controversial red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s win at Wolves, which has now been overturned.PGMOL protocol means that Oliver is unlikely to take charge of an Arsenal game in the coming weeks.Halsey said: “The PGMOL will keep him away from Arsenal for a while, which is the right thing to do.”When there is friction between a ref and a club that is the right thing to do, why create a problem for yourself.Read More in Football”Taking him away from Arsenal is not derogatory towards Michael and his ability. It is common sense.”Oliver’s integrity has also come under serious scrutiny following the incident.Halsey added: “That does not come into it, you cannot question the integrity of a referee.”The referee goes out and referees what is in front of him.Most read in Football”There are millions of people watching him, he has an evaluation on his game too. You don’t prejudge anything.”Halsey also feels there needs to be more protection for top officials, with their hectic schedule adding further strain.Shamed Ref David Coote EXCLUSIVE on death threats, coke battle & coming out | The SunOliver is back in action taking charge of Barcelona v Atalanta in the Champions League tomorrow and will be at Portman Road for Ipswich v Southampton on Saturday.He has also been appointed to officiate the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on February 12 – another high profile game – and will likely be given an FA Cup fourth round game next weekend.Former ref Mark Halsey said: “Michael is our best referee by far.”He is reffing week in, week out. Perhaps PGMOL are not looking after him.”Players lose form and have indifferent performances, it’s the same with referees. They are out every week and also used in the VAR hub.”There has to be accountability when they put in a poor performance. I am not blaming the referees, it is the leadership and the direction coming from PGMOL management.”Howard Webb hasn’t got the right personnel below him in coaching terms.”Halsey himself has been the subject of death threats following a Liverpool vs Manchester United game in 2012, which left him fearing for his safety.He said: “I have been there and been through it. You fear for your safety, but luckily for me nothing happened.”I had just come back from cancer, my wife had Leukaemia and they wanted both of us to die, they wanted my illness to come back.”They wanted to do horrible things to my daughter.”I received a letter in the post saying there is a bullet waiting for you.”You expect abuse from fans in the terraces, you are a uniform.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because you are the ref they feel they have the right to have a go at you. You have to have mental toughness about you to survive.”I commend him for going back out, Michael is mentally tough and a strong character. Michael always does the best games because he is trusted by management.”Arsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue againARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.It was the Gunners’ fourth sending off this season and they had not won any of their matches without 11 players this term.But Arsenal showed their character and battled past Wolves 1-0.Here is how SunSport rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 8/10Very little to do until the 63rd minute when he brilliantly tipped a deflected Matheus Cunha effort wide. He then stopped Rayan Ait-Nouri in a one-on-one in the 84th minute.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6Was having another fine game before being the victim of one of most ludicrous red cards in Prem history. His cynical trip was worthy of a yellow and nothing more.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Arsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.GABRIEL – 7Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Hit with some nasty challenges that required treatment – including one that had Joao Gomes sent off – but carried on playing and was resolute.DECLAN RICE – 7More of a goal threat than in recent weeks and stood up when Arsenal needed him.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Steady Eddie for most parts back in his favoured midfield position after spells at right-back this season. Displayed his importance to this side once more.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Unfortunately made way at half-time as a sacrificial lamb following Lewis-Skelly’s sending off. Was a lively, creative spark in the first-half.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Belgian is on corner-taking duty, but his deliveries were woeful. A quiet afternoon that sums up why he is in and out of the team currently.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Was lacking that clinical edge in the first half, but came up with the cross after the break that led to Arsenal’s vital opener.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Missed two glorious first half chances with his head and another in the second half, but worked tirelessly on his own – especially with Arsenal down to ten.SUBS:RICCARDO CALAFIORI (NWANERI, 45) – 8The sort of goal that keeps title dreams alive. Added real height and danger aerially, as well as a sweet volley from a tough angle.KIERAN TIERNEY (MARTINELLI, 87) – N/A More

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      Myles Lewis-Skelly ban OVERTURNED as FA release statement on Arsenal star’s red card

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY’s controversial red card was ‘wrongful’ and his automatic ban has been overturned, the FA have announced.The Arsenal teenager was sent off in the 43rd minute of his side’s weekend clash with Wolves for a challenge on Matt Doherty.Myles Lewis-Skelly’s ban has been overturnedCredit: AFPLewis-Skelly tripped the defender as Wolves began to break away on the counter attack following a Gunners corner.He was immediately dismissed by referee Michael Oliver – much to the anger of Mikel Arteta and his fuming players.Arsenal launched an appeal and the FA have now confirmed Lewis-Skelly’s suspension has been lifted. It read: “An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.READ MORE IN football “The Arsenal player was sent off for serious foul play during their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, January 25, 2025.” The Professional Game Match Officials Limited took the same approach they gave to Bruno Fernandes – who was “wrongfully” sent off against Tottenham in September.Arsenal legend Ian Wright berated the state of Premier League officiating after the controversial red card incident.He said: “It’s a joke. Anyone who has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, 5-a-side, Sunday League, they know it’s never a red.Most read in FootballMark Halsey’s view By Mark HalseyMichael Oliver should not be given any Arsenal games by his refereeing bosses.The PGMOL will keep him away from Arsenal for a while, which is the right thing to do.When there is friction between a ref and a club that is the right thing to do, why create a problem for yourself.Taking him away from Arsenal is not derogatory towards Michael and his ability. It is common sense.You cannot question the integrity of a referee. The referee goes out and referees what is in front of him.There are millions of people watching him, he has an evaluation on his game too. You don’t prejudge anything.”Yellow card and nobody says a word. Time and time again this level of refereeing the decisions in the Premier League, the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies. All of them are the centre of attention for me.”We can’t criticise too hard because otherwise where are the referees going to come from. Where are we going to get them?Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants FA to overturn controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red card “But I’m sorry. This is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees.”When will the Premier League bring the best referees into the so called best league in the world. At the moment with this level of refereeing we’re nowhere near it.”Alan Shearer branded it “one of the worst decisions that I’ve seen in a long time.”Ref Oliver was subject to sick abuse including death threats following the contentious red card – leading to a police probe. Police have even been guarding the official’s family home since the incident.And the PGMOL released a statement on Sunday condemning the abuse directed at Oliver after the match.It read: “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.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We will continue to support all investigations.”Lewis-Skelly, 18, is now available for Arsenal’s next match against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday.Lewis-Skelly poses during Arsenal trainingCredit: Reuters 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

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      Arsenal submit official appeal to FA over Myles Lewis-Skelly red card that left Mikel Arteta raging

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      ARSENAL have officially appealed the controversial red card that Myles Lewis-Skelly received against Wolves at the weekend.The teenager was sent off in the 43rd minute for a challenge on Matt Doherty.Myles Lewis-Skelly was sent off for a challenge on Matt DohertyCredit: PAHe was shown a straight red card by Michael OliverCredit: PAArsenal stars were left furiousCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly tripped the defender as Wolves began to break away on the counter attack following an Arsenal corner.He was immediately dismissed by referee Michael Oliver, much to the dismay of Mikel Arteta and Co.After the match, the Spaniard was reluctant to say too much about it but declared: “I am absolutely fuming. But I will leave it with you, it is that obvious that I don’t think my words are going to help.”Fans and pundits were also left raging, with some branding it “the worst decision ever.”Read More in FootballIt is understood the Gunners were hoping that the PGMOL would overturn the decision – much like they did when Bruno Fernandes was “wrongfully” sent off against Tottenham in September.But with that still yet to happen, Arsenal chiefs have made the decision to submit one themselves.Club legend Ian Wright berated the state of Premier League officiating after the controversial red card incident.He said: “It’s a joke. Anyone who has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, 5-a-side, Sunday League, they know it’s never a red.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Yellow card and nobody says a word. Time and time again this level of refereeing the decisions in the Premier League, the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies. All of them are the centre of attention for me.”We can’t criticise too hard because otherwise where are the referees going to come from. Where are we going to get them?Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants FA to overturn controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red card “But I’m sorry. This is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees.”When will the Premier League bring the best referees into the so called best league in the world. At the moment with this level of refereeing we’re nowhere near it.”Meanwhile, Alan Shearer branded it “one of the worst decisions that I’ve seen in a long time.”The PGMOL released a statement on Sunday condemning the abuse directed at Oliver after the match.It read: “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.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.”We will continue to support all investigations.”Arsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue againARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.It was the Gunners’ fourth sending off this season and they had not won any of their matches without 11 players this term.But Arsenal showed their character and battled past Wolves 1-0.Here is how SunSport rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 8/10Very little to do until the 63rd minute when he brilliantly tipped a deflected Matheus Cunha effort wide. He then stopped Rayan Ait-Nouri in a one-on-one in the 84th minute.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6Was having another fine game before being the victim of one of most ludicrous red cards in Prem history. His cynical trip was worthy of a yellow and nothing more.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Arsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.GABRIEL – 7Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Hit with some nasty challenges that required treatment – including one that had Joao Gomes sent off – but carried on playing and was resolute.DECLAN RICE – 7More of a goal threat than in recent weeks and stood up when Arsenal needed him.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Steady Eddie for most parts back in his favoured midfield position after spells at right-back this season. Displayed his importance to this side once more.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Unfortunately made way at half-time as a sacrificial lamb following Lewis-Skelly’s sending off. Was a lively, creative spark in the first-half.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Belgian is on corner-taking duty, but his deliveries were woeful. A quiet afternoon that sums up why he is in and out of the team currently.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Was lacking that clinical edge in the first half, but came up with the cross after the break that led to Arsenal’s vital opener.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Missed two glorious first half chances with his head and another in the second half, but worked tirelessly on his own – especially with Arsenal down to ten.SUBS:RICCARDO CALAFIORI (NWANERI, 45) – 8The sort of goal that keeps title dreams alive. Added real height and danger aerially, as well as a sweet volley from a tough angle.KIERAN TIERNEY (MARTINELLI, 87) – N/A More

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      ‘He’s let a lot of people down’ – Marcus Rashford should be ‘BANISHED’ from Man Utd dressing room, slams Paul Scholes

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes claims wantaway star Marcus Rashford should be “banished” from the dressing room amid the ongoing saga regarding his future.Rashford, 27, hasn’t played for United since December 12 and admitted last month he is “ready for a new challenge”.Manchester United legend Paul Scholes slammed Marcus RashfordCredit: YouTube / The OverlapMan Utd boss Ruben Amorim suggested he’s unhappy with the way Rashford trainsCredit: AlamyMan Utd manager Ruben Amorim has left him out of the squad for every game since his last appearance apart from one, in which he was an unused substitute.Amorim also omitted the forward from Sunday’s 1-0 victory at Fulham suggesting he is so unhappy with the way he trains he would rather pick 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital ahead of him.Scholes addressed the ongoing drama and criticised the England international’s attitude as he “let a lot of people down”.The United legend warned Rashford that he’s making the same mistake he committed years ago when he asked Sir Alex Ferguson not to play in a cup game against Arsenal.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-England international believes he should be banned from the dressing room as he sets the wrong example for younger players.Scholes told Sky Bet’s The Overlap: “I think Marcus has let a lot of people down with his attitude and I think that’s what the manager is trying to say.”You think of the young players coming through the team and think of [Alejandro] Garnacho.”They’re looking up to people like Marcus now and he’s 27, he’s clearly not training properly, he’s not living his life properly. They’re the examples these people should look at.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I remember years ago when I told the manager [Ferguson] I didn’t want to play in that Arsenal cup game. “The meeting we had afterwards, I thought I was going to get a right b********g here, he said to me, ‘The worst thing you did was let your teammates down’. And that really stuck with me.Rashford admitted last month he is ‘ready for a new challenge’Credit: RexScholes insists Rashford should be ‘banished’ from the Man Utd dressing roomCredit: GettyRuben Amorim has pulled out the nine-millimetre revolver, there’s no way back for Marcus Rashford at Man Utd”Because I wasn’t really thinking about that and now I think Marcus Rashford is doing exactly the same. “Ok, he’s not refusing to play, but in the way he is behaving and the way he’s training…”In a way, he’s saying he doesn’t want to be involved with the team and the fact of letting his teammates down, he should be banished from the dressing room. “If he’s in and around that and young people are seeing that as an example, the sooner he’s gone the better.”England striker Rashford has been offered to clubs all over Europe this January.But only Barcelona remain in the race as teams struggle to take on Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wage packet.Dortmund, AC Milan, and Napoli have all enquired about taking the unsettled star this January.But all have found his wages to be a stumbling block in negotiations.His situation hit a new low last weekend when Amorim claimed he would rather name goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital, 63, on the bench than Rashford.Asked directly about Rashford’s absence against Fulham, Amorim said: “I’d put Vital on the bench before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day. I’ll not change in that department.“It’s always the same reason. The reason is the training. The way that I see what a footballer should do in training,  in life, every day.  If things don’t change, I will not change.”Rashford’s showdown with Amorim began in December when he was left out of the squad for Manchester United’s victory over Manchester City.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe then gave an interview saying he is ready for a “new challenge”.He told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.” More

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      Arsenal ‘working out shock transfer move for Aston Villa star Jhon Duran’ but Alexander Isak remains ‘dream target’

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      ARSENAL are reportedly exploring a shock move for Aston Villa star Jhon Duran – even though Alexander Isak remains their “dream target.”The Gunners are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements after several injury blows.Arsenal are exploring a shock deal for Aston Villa striker Jhon DuranCredit: GettyNewcastle’s Alexander Isak remains the Gunners’ dream targetCredit: GettyBukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus are both long-term absentees.And Mikel Arteta is keen to add an out-and-out striker to his squad of title hopefuls.The Londoners are known to be big fans of Newcastle superstar Isak, who has 19 goals in 25 games this season.While RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who has 14 in 27, has also been linked.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now, Fabrizio Romano reckons that Villa ace Duran has emerged as a likely target before deadline day.The Colombian has netted 12 goals in 29 games so far this term.Duran, who recently signed a new long-term contract, was the subject of a failed £57million bid from West Ham earlier this month.Villa are thought to want £80m to sell their young asset.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd Arsenal are now showing a strong interest in Duran, with “dream target” Isak deemed too expensive right now.Romano told Give Me Sport: “What I’m told is Arsenal made a call in recent weeks to understand the situation of Duran.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants FA to overturn controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red card “At the moment, there’s no green light from Leipzig for Sesko.“Also Isak, the dream target of Arsenal, he’s super expensive. It’s almost very complicated, nothing in football is impossible but it’s very complicated.“And so in recent weeks, Arsenal called to understand Duran’s situation, but there’s been no direct negotiations with Villa.” More

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      Michael Oliver handed huge Premier League title clash after Arsenal controversy as referee’s next games are revealed

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      MICHAEL OLIVER will referee a Premier League game this Saturday and a huge title clash next month.The official is at the centre of huge controversy for sending off Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly in a decision that has been slammed by fans and pundits.Michael Oliver’s next games have been confirmedCredit: AlamyOliver controversially handed Myles Lewis-Skelly a red cardCredit: RexThe ref has come under fierce criticism from fans and punditsCredit: PABut he will be back on the field in the Champions League on Wednesday for Barcelona vs Atalanta and then this weekend he will oversee the Ipswich vs Southampton.The 39-year-old ref will then have the whistle for the Merseyside derby on February 12 as Everton welcome Liverpool to Goodison Park.The fixture has been re-arranged from December 7 after it was postponed due to Storm Darragh. Liverpool currently sit six points above Arsenal at the top of the table and the derby is their game in-hand over the Gunners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOliver was the subject of fierce criticism for red carding Lewis-Skelly against Wolves for a foul on Matt Doherty.The wonderkid cynically tripped the defender as he broke away on the counter-attack, with most expecting a yellow to be shown.But Oliver shockingly brandished a red for serious foul play and the decision was not overturned by VAR.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left “absolutely fuming” and club icon Ian Wright slammed it as a “joke”.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBBC pundit Pat Nevin hit out at the standard of officiating, claiming it set a “bar so low even a limbo dancing snake couldn’t get under it”.Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett agreed that Oliver made a “major error” and felt he needed a “rest for a couple of weeks” to stay out the firing line.Fans spot Arsenal star Leandro Trossard’s 6-word comment about Michael Oliver to Wolves ace Police have also launched an investigation after the Newcastle-born whistleblower received vile death threats.The PGMOL issued a statement on Sunday, saying it was “appalled” by the “abhorrent” threats and abuse aimed at their official.Darren England, who was on VAR in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves and decided not to overturn Lewis-Skelly’s red card, has also come under fire.He will ref another title-impacting game this Saturday as he has been given Bournemouth vs Liverpool.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. More

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      What Miguel Almiron’s £10m transfer sale means for Newcastle’s January spending

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED are set to bolster their transfer kitty by nearly ten million quid – but it’ll stay locked up until the summer.Miguel Almiron has left the North East and is jetting to America today to seal his return to former club Atlanta.Miguel Almiron said his goodbyes after the Southampton matchCredit: ReutersThe Magpies have accepted a £9.5million offer from the MLS side for the Paraguayan winger, 30.Almiron is now Stateside to undergo a medical having already agreed personal terms.However, despite his departure, Eddie Howe still looks unlikely to be able to use the money and get a replacement before next Monday.Newcastle’s recruitment team have been watching right-wingers for months and have come up with a long list of potential new signings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is a big favourite and regularly has Toon scouts in attendance.Although, despite Howe admitting that he would like at least one new addition in January, he looks certain to have to make do with what he has left after the exit of Almiron.Newcastle’s need to comply with PSR means that the board at St James’ are unlikely to give the green light to any significant new incoming.That means that the cash will be saved and will instead go towards Howe’s summer transfer kitty.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe departure of Almiron, who has agreed a four-and-a-half year contract with Atlanta, means Howe currently only has two fit specialised wingers in Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon with Harvey Barnes sidelined for at least another fortnight.Howe stressed last week the importance he felt adding new players to his squad. Former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew reveals why he axed Hatem Ben Arfa despite him being an ‘unbelievable talent’ He said: “When you look at our squad at the moment, we’re a little bit heavy on defenders, which is not a negative thing. But the balance is slightly off.“Our attacking players, we have lost Harvey and Callum [Wilson]. So our attacking options from the bench is slightly limited. We have real quality in a lot of positions, just maybe not in that top line. And when you’re looking to make attacking subs and change the game, they’re the ones that you want. That is a slight issue for us.“But in terms of the quality of the squad and players we have – we have 20 fit players available – I think they’re outstanding and our squad is really strong.“The second point I want to make to the question is about freshness of the squad. When you go consecutive windows without freshening the group in any major way, you could run into difficult waters with staleness. I think healthy rotation of the squad with transfers in and out is important.”Almiron, meanwhile, received a fine send-off from the travelling Toon Army when he came off the bench in the closing stages of Saturday’s 3-1 win at Southampton.That was his 223rd appearance for the Magpies – who signed him back in 2019 for £21m from Atlanta. More