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      Premier League refs are best in world and other countries AGREE say chiefs – as just four mistakes this season revealed

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs remain convinced they have “the best referees in the world” — and insist that other countries AGREE.As officials in Spain discussed going on strike in protest at abuse from fans and clubs,  the Prem’s chief football officer claimed that top-flight whistlers are better than they have ever been.Chiefs reckon Premier League refs are the world’s best despite some high-profile errorsCredit: RexMichael Oliver’s red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly was later overturnedCredit: PATony Scholes said: “One of our main targets is to have the best match officials in the world — and we do. “We have ten officials on the Fifa list and two of them — Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor — are in the top ten in the world according to Fifa.“Other leagues around the world look up to the officials and VAR process in this country as a model they would like  to follow.“That’s the message we get from people around the world.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Oliver and Taylor have been at the centre of major controversies this season.Oliver red-carded Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly for ‘serious foul play’ at Wolves last month but the player’s three-match ban was overturned on appeal.He was also the VAR who advised ref David Coote to review an  injury-time incident when  West Ham beat Manchester United after being awarded a  late penalty  — that ultimately led to Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag’s October sacking.And Taylor giving Brighton a penalty against Arsenal last month when William Saliba ‘headed’ Joao Pedro led to Gunners fury.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYet that West Ham spot-kick is one of only FOUR mistakes after a VAR intervention so far this season — according to the Prem’s key match incident panel, which including ex-players, managers and referees.The panel also highlighted another nine  incidents where the VAR should have intervened.Premier League clash descends into farce as VAR counts number of playersThose four VAR errors . . .BOURNEMOUTH 1 NEWCASTLE 1Dango Ouattara’s late ‘winner’ was wrongly chalked off for handball after being awarded on the field.WEST HAM 2 MAN UTD 1Hammers’ stoppage-time spot-kick  winner came after Michael Oliver advised David Coote to review Matthijs de Ligt’s contact with Danny Ings.EVERTON 0 BRENTFORD 0Christian Norgaard should not have received a red card for ploughing into keeper Jordan Pickford.NOTTM FOREST 3 SOUTHAMPTON 2Nikola Milenkovic’s goal was ruled out for subjective offside against Chris Wood,  but VAR should not have got involved.That figure is markedly down from the total of 20 cock-ups at the same point of last season and 25 at the corresponding time in 2022-23.Scholes added: “Nobody under-estimates the gigantic impact of any single error.“They can cost a club points, managers their jobs, players their place in the team and have a huge impact on a game of such high stakes“But, while there were four incorrect interventions, that means 66  correct ones while the total errors are down.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Former referee Dermot Gallagher spots VAR ‘optical illusion’ in Chelsea’s controversial goal against West Ham

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      DERMOT GALLAGHER pointed out a flaw with the VAR system… it can be littered with “optical illusions”.The former match official was appearing on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch to discuss two major incidents in Chelsea’s controversial win over West Ham.Dermot Gallagher called this still image an ‘optical illusion’Dermot Gallagher believes it was the correct decision to allow Chelsea’s goal to standIn the build up to Pedro Neto’s all-important second-half equaliser, Jarrod Bowen was bundled over by Levi Colwill.No foul was given and play waved on, as Chelsea went up the other end to score.But the goal itself was also mired in controversy after Marc Cucurella was adjudged to NOT be offside.Neto whipped the ball across with the left-back in an offside position.READ MORE SPORT STORIESHowever, there was much debate as to whether Marc Guiu got a flick on the ball en-route to Cucurella.If he had, then Cucurella would absolutely have been offside.The ball came across to Neto, who smashed the ball into the back of the net.After a VAR check, the goal was allowed to stand, with Guiu therefore not adjudged to have got a flick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGallagher – who admitted the collision between Bowen and Colwill could perhaps have been a free-kick for West Ham – said it looked as though Guiu got a touch based on a still photo.However, he called it an optical illusion as he pointed to the fact you couldn’t see a touch when watching the video.Chelsea vs West Ham: Player Ratings BreakdownGallagher said: “If he touches it, without doubt Cucurella is offside.”But you look at it, there’s one angle that I think is an optical illusion…”It looks as though he touches it but it’s a still photo and I think still photos can be deceiving.”You look at it and there’s no evidence he’s touched the ball.”So I feel he’s duty bound to allow the goal.”Gallagher went on to admit while the foul on Bowen should have been given, enough time had passed between that incident and the goal to not go back and check it.On the goal, the Premier League commented: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as there was no factual evidence that Guiu made contact with the ball in the build-up, therefore there was no offside offence.”CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS: Levi Colwill’s sluggish performance saved by Pedro Neto’s best showing in a Blues shirtCHELSEA capitalised on the failures of their rivals to move up to fourth in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over West Ham.A host of changes from Enzo Maresca upped the tempo in the second half, and they paid dividends with Pedro Neto driving home an equaliser in the 63rd minute after a shot from Fernandez.Jarrod Bowen had capitalised on a Levi Colwill error to fire West Ham ahead.Fans grew optimistic as the home side grew into the game, which culminated in a deflected Cole Palmer effort sending the Bridge into raptures as they went 2-1 up.Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated Chelsea’s performance.Filip Jorgensen – 7It would’ve been a tough task to disappoint Chelsea fans after what they have seen from Robert Sanchez in recent weeks.There wasn’t an awful lot he could do about the opener, and actually made some pretty good stops to prevent his side being more than one goal down at the halfway point.Those saves proved vital, and he should expect to start against Brighton up next.Reece James – 6His crosses from the right were good throughout the first half, but there was no one clinical enough in the box to grab him an assist.Strong defensively, but ultimately didn’t have much to do in that aspect with Chelsea dominant on the flanks.Tosin Adarabioyo – 7Strong in the air and pretty good across the ground.Perhaps could have done a little more to prevent Bowen opening the scoring as he seemed to stand and watch him shoot, but overall was good and is growing into a good, consistent Premier League centre half.His vital block in added time might well have been the difference between three points and one.Levi Colwill – 3His awful backpass rolledBowen in perfectly to give the Hammers the lead just before first half-time.A lousy and sluggish performance improved in the second half after his side took the lead, but he was fortunate not to cost his side points tonight.Marc Cucurella – 7Inverted well from left back into midfield in a role that looks made for him, he was strong in his tackles and good in the air from start to finish.Got into dangerous positions going forward, but couldn’t add the finishing touches to his game on this occasion.Moises Caicedo – 7Tenacious tackling and energy is what the home fans have become accustomed to seeing from their Ecuadorian destroyer.Glimpses of that in the first half extended into a mature and controlled second 45 minutes where he looked to have Mo Kudus’ number.Enzo Fernández – 5Missed a huge chance to give Chelsea the lead which he rolled past the left hand post from a few yards out.It was his blocked effort which bounced out for Neto to level the scoring, but overall the Argentine looked a bit off the pace in midfield.Noni Madueke – 4Perhaps should’ve had a goal and assist in the first half an hour as he was set up by Nicolas Jackson and put the ball on a plate for Fernandez, but neither chance was converted.His best moment of the second half was when he bodied the referee, before being subbed for Christopher Nkunku.Cole Palmer – 7A quiet first half had the travelling fans comparing him to Andy Irving, but he soon showed them up.Almost scored a free-kick similar to the one we saw against Brighton this season, but it was well saved by Alphonse Areola.It was his deflected effort that put his side in the lead as he grew into the game more and more.Jadon Sancho – 4His quick feet made him a threat on the left-hand side in the first half, but again his end product or lack thereof would’ve cost Chelsea if his replacement didn’t bail them out.Was subbed five minutes into the second half for Pedro Neto.Nicolas Jackson – 3Showed some promising signs early on with a good ball into Noni Madueke, who narrowly missed the goal.Aside from that, he looked like a striker utterly devoid of any confidence and was poor before being hooked for 18-year-old Marc Guiu.SUBSMarc Guiu (Nicolas Jackson, 51) – 5Didn’t really do a lot wrong or right after coming on for Nicolas Jackson.Certainly looks more confident in the Conference League, but Premier League minutes in the tank will do him good.Pedro Neto (Jadon Sancho, 51) – 8His best performance in a Chelsea shirt since he joined.A composed finish saw him level the scoring before more great work in the build up sawPalmer rifle home a deflected effort.Great energy, work rate, and end product from Maresca’s own Portuguese magnifico.Malo Gusto (Reece James, 60) – 6Was energetic and strong after replacing captain Reece James, also playing a part in the goal that put his side in the lead.His passing was good and he looked more like the player who became a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge last campaign.Christopher Nkunku (Noni Madueke, 60) – 5Did a job for the team out of position on the left-hand side in Jadon Sancho’s position. 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      LaLiga chaos as referees willing to go on STRIKE after Real Madrid statement claiming decisions are ‘manipulated’

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      LALIGA referees are reportedly considering going on strike after a letter from Real Madrid questioning their integrity.In a bombshell statement, the Champions League winners said “decisions against Real Madrid have reached a level of manipulation and adulteration of the competition that can no longer be ignored.”LaLiga referees are willing to go on strike after Real Madrid issued a statement claiming their decisions were ‘manipulated’Credit: AFPReal Madrid were left furious after this challenge on Kylian Mbappe was only punished with a yellow cardCredit: DAZNVinicius Jr also saw a goal disallowed due to this off-the-ball challenge from MbappeLos Blancos were left furious with the quality of officiating during their 1-0 loss at Espanyol.Vinicius Jr saw a first half goal disallowed for an off-the-ball foul by Kylian Mbappe.And Espanyol’s Carlos Romero was only shown a yellow card for a studs-up lunge on Mbappe, before going on to score the winning goal.The Real Madrid letter also stated: “The scandal generated by this match has once again had worldwide repercussions, with the international press denouncing the biased use of VAR in Spain and the lack of credibility of Spanish refereeing.”READ MORE ON REAL MADRIDAnd the club called for the VAR audio footage of the incidents in question to be released immediately.But, answering a question from a caller, Cope journalist Isaac Fouto claimed that some referees in LaLiga are in favour of going on strike in response to the accusations.He said: “There are referees from the First Division who believe that they should go on strike.”But he added: “The strike is either everyone [or no-one]… some have said they will go, but everyone has to go.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It is being considered, it is being considered in the environment. If this takes this turn, the competition will stop.”Following the Real Madrid letter, the Spanish FA [RFEF] released a statement backing its officials.Wholesome moment Jude Bellingham leaves a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness as he hands him his shirtThe RFEF commented: “The refereeing task, by its very nature, is subject to review and analysis.”But this cannot lead to generalised accusations that cast doubt on their integrity, as this not only affects the referees themselves, but also erodes the credibility of soccer as a whole.“It is important to reflect on the consequences of this type of systematic questioning of refereeing. “Constantly delegitimizing the work of referees outside the established channels generates a climate of mistrust that benefits neither Spanish football nor its competitions.”Meanwhile Carlo Ancelotti has come out and said that the refereeing is better in the Premier League than LaLiga.The Real Madrid boss said: “What league has the best referees? Difficult to say. It’s a tough job. “What I can say is referees suffer less pressure in England, so they do their job better.” More

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      Arsenal would be TOP of the Premier League if VAR didn’t exist as full table is revealed

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      ARSENAL would be TOP of the Prem table if VAR did not exist.Despite their 5-1 thumping of Manchester City, Mikel Arteta’s side remain six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand.Arsenal would be top of the league if VAR did not existCredit: GettyLiverpool would be a point worse off without the technologyCredit: AlamyBut if the original decisions in the Gunners’ games had not been overturned by the Stockley Park VAR booth, Arsenal would have had SIX more points, with Liverpool a point worse off.And that would have seen the Emirates side a point clear of the Anfield outfit.Arsenal have only seen five decisions changed after VAR intervention in their 24 Prem games so far.Only one of those – when Kai Havertz’ injury time goal in the 4-2 win over Leicester was initially wrongly flagged, has gone in their favour.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe first of the others saw William Saliba’s yellow card for a “last man” foul on Bournemouth striker Evanilson upgraded – although Arsenal were second best all game as they eventually lost 2-0.But the other three decisions – while all rightly corrected, denied the Gunners three wins.Havertz thought he had put his side ahead in the first half of the 1-1 draw at Chelsea, only for the technology to wipe out the strike.Then an offside call against Gabriel Martinelli in the build-up wiped out Bukayo Saka’s 88th-minute “winner” at Fulham.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd the VAR booth spotting that Mikel Merino’s late shot had deflected past Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez off Havertz’s forearm meant last month’s clash at the Emirates finished 2-2.Liverpool’s second goal in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United came with VAR spotting a handball offence by Matthijs de Ligt, ensuring they took a point from the game.Premier League clash descends into farce as VAR counts number of playersWhile none of those decisions were wrong, it does show the potential impact of VAR.Without VAR, Bournemouth would be fourth, three places and five points better off – with PGMOL conceding their “winner” against Newcastle at the start of the season was wrongly disallowed for handball by Dango Ouattara.Newcastle have had TEN VAR changes in their favour, with only two against, while the technology has cost Man Utd four points. More

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      VAR orders referee to count number of players on pitch in most bizarre Premier League intervention yet

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      CHAOS erupted after VAR bizarrely ordered referee Andy Madley to count the NUMBER of players on the pitch during Wolves v Aston Villa.Wolves cruised to a shock 2-0 win against Villa at Molineux to move out of the relegation zone.Andy Madley was asked to confirm the NUMBER of players on the pitchGoncalo Guedes was already in the dugout but Wolves subs weren’t allowed onConfusion broke out on the touchlineIt took just under three minutes for Wolves to make two subsThe second half was littered with controversial moments as Villa saw a goal disallowed and Wolves were denied a penalty shout.The encounter then saw embarrassing scenes which have been likened to a Sunday League mix up.Wolves were 1-0 up -after Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s opener – when they tried to make a double substitution in the 71st minute.The idea was for Goncalo Guedes and Rayan Ait-Nouri to make way for Rodrigo Gomes and Tommy Doyle.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, what should’ve been a routine changeover after the Wolves par left the pitch was far from simple.Madley blew to stop play and was asked to get his fingers out and count up the players on the turf.Guedes was already sitting in the dugout, but Wolves weren’t allowed to bring their replacements on despite the fact that Tim Robinson was holding the fourth official board up. One fan wrote: “What in the Sunday league is going on here at Wolves 🤣.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe commentator said: “VAR are asking the referee to confirm that nobody has left the field. It beggars belief. Extraordinary scenes.”It took just under three minutes for Wolves to make those two substitutions. Aston Villa confirm Jhon Duran’s £64million transfer to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr with blunt 58-word statementIt’s unclear who asked him but Matt Donohue and Wade Smith were on VAR duties.Proceedings finally got back underway before Matheus Cunha wrapped up all three points in the seventh minute of injury time.But to make matters worse, VAR was previously called into scrutiny just 20 minutes before the chaos after disallowing Villa’s equaliser.New £21.5million signing Donyell Malen, who replaced Ollie Watkins at half-time, thought he’d scored his first Villa goal.Malen was behind the ball when he converted a low cross from John McGinn, although the linesman immediately raised his flag.But VAR found something else wrong and ruled that Morgan Rogers was offside when he obstructed Nelson Semedo in the build-up. A statement from the Premier League’s Match Centre account on X read: “The referees call of no goal due to an offside offence is checked and confirmed by VAR – with Rogers in an offside position and deemed to be impacting the ability of Semedo to play or challenge for the ball.”Matheus Cunha wrapped up all three points in the seventh minute of injury timeCredit: Alamy More

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      Arsenal are one of Premier League’s LUCKIEST teams this season despite fan complaints as full luck table revealed

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      THE Premier League luck table has been revealed – with Arsenal getting the rub of the green.The title-chasing Gunners have been on the wrong end of a number of decisions so far this season.Arsenal have been one of the more lucky teams in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyManchester United have been at the other end of the able, so far this campaignCredit: APThat includes a now rescinded red card for Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolves last weekend.However, new stats by analysts at OLBG appear to show Mikel Arteta’s side haven’t been as unlucky as they think in the Premier League.A mix of minimal defensive errors and moderate VAR outcomes see Arsenal third in the table.They’ve not conceded an error leading to a goal all season, and score a number of them.READ MORE ON ARSENALHowever, they have had seven injuries this campaign, to key players such as Bukayo Saka.Meanwhile, Manchester United and Chelsea are having very little when it comes to luck.They’ve had a mixture of injuries, VAR decision against them, and a staggering NINE errors leading to goals.Ruben Amorim’s side haven’t had VAR on their side much, and struggled to bag late on.Most read in FootballMeanwhile, Chelsea are in the same boat, with five decisions for and against through VAR.They’ve also had the same amount of injuries and late goals scored.The Blues have conceded eight times between the 81-90 minute in the Premier League, as well.The table – which is solely based off stats – shows Newcastle are the luckiest side ahead of Gameweek 24.Southampton, who are bottom of the real Prem, are the unluckiest, with 17 goals against them from errors.The Saints have also had a tough time stopping late goals, with 11 against them in the final ten.How the Premier League luck table worksErrors Leading to Goals – 20%Goals Conceded (81-90 min) – 20%Number of Injuries – 10%VAR Against – 20%VAR For – 20%Goals Scored (81-90 min) – 10%Ipswich and Everton are also around the bottom, struggling with a high amount of mistakes.Each team has been given a luck score out of 100 for the unique insight into the 2024-25 campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The Luck Index offers a fascinating perspective on how external factors, beyond skill and strategy, can influence the Premier League,” said Jake Aston, Sports Betting Expert at OLBG.”It’s a unique way to analyse the unpredictable elements of football.” More

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      ‘Just unacceptable’ – Mikel Arteta blasts attack of referee Michael Oliver as police probe abuse after Arsenal red card

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      MIKEL ARTETA blasted the attack of referee Michael Oliver and urged governing bodies to kick “hatred” out of football.Police are investigating abuse suffered by Oliver after he controversially sent off defender Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Wolves last weekend.Mikel Arteta has blasted the abuse directed at Michael Oliver following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves on SaturdayCredit: EPAMichael Oliver is currently having his house monitored by police after ‘abhorrent abuse’ following the matchCredit: AlamyOliver controversially sent off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly during the matchCredit: PAThe Gunners full-back has since had his three-match ban wiped out by an independent committee after the club filed an appeal on Tuesday morning – despite the player missing the news due to being ASLEEP on the plane.But ref Oliver continues to have his house watched by police following alleged threats against him and his two-year-old daughter – leaving the PGMOL “appalled”.And Arsenal boss Arteta – who recently slated the online hate aimed at his player Kai Havertz – said: “Regardless of whether it is a player or a coach, a referee — it does not matter.“We shouldn’t be here with this hatred, these things we see, because they affect everyone and in the end, they take away the joy of this sport.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We have to really work harder to try to eradicate that part of the game that brings nothing but bad stuff, bad taste and it makes people’s lives more difficult. Let’s get it out, let’s kick it out.“For everyone in football. You should not be permitted [to do that]. We don’t want it, we don’t need it and it certainly damages our sport.“We are talking about it, but no one seems to be moving strongly enough because it’s just unacceptable. Why haven’t we done it?“We’re always putting a lot of emphasis on where football is going in the next five, ten years; on the rules, and all that sort of thing.Most read in FootballLewis-Skelly was dismissed for a trip on Wolves star Matt DohertyCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But the most important thing we can do is create an environment that’s much better at a social level: one that’s healthier, that’s nicer.“Reward things that are not only winning, that when people make mistakes they have the chance to make amends.”Moment Mikel Arteta gives Michael Oliver ‘death stare’ after shaking his hand following Lewis-Skelly red card blunderOliver will not officiate Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City on Sunday, instead taking charge of Ipswich vs Southampton at Portman Road on Saturday before overseeing the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton on February 5.It is also alleged that Oliver received a threat of a car bomb after the awarding of a penalty during Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on January 5.Havertz also had his wife and unborn child attacked on Instagram following Arsenal’s FA Cup third round penalty shoot-out defeat to Man United on January 12 in which the German missed the decisive spot-kick.Arsenal were understood to have been in touch with the PGMOL over the abuse aimed at Oliver and are supportive of any inquiries.The PGMOL said in a statement on Sunday: “No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family.“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.”Lewis-Skelly was sent off in the 43rd minute at Molineux for a tame trip on Matt Doherty inside the Wolves half – with the decision upheld by VAR official Darren England as “serious foul play”, one that left Arteta “fuming”.Oliver also sent off Wolves’ Joao Gomes in the 70th minute for a second yellow before Riccardo Calafiori scored a late winner.Pundits such as Micah Richards and Alan Shearer blasted Oliver for sending off Lewis-Skelly, the former labelling it “one of the worst decisions I have ever seen”.On Lewis-Skelly’s ban being lifted, Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori said: “We knew that it was a mistake, and now we keep on going and I’m happy for him.“He’s a strong guy mentally and also on the pitch.”An Arsenal statement said yesterday evening: “An independent Regulatory Commission has upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal in relation to Myles Lewis-Skelly and removed his three-match suspension.”Asked how Lewis-Skelly reacted to the news ahead of their Champions League clash at Girona, Arteta said: “He was sleeping on the plane [to Spain] when I got the news and looked back. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I haven’t spoken to him but I imagine there is a big smile on his face.On if he woke him up, Arteta laughed: “I was working and he was in the back, so I didn’t.”Kai Havertz and his family were recently the victims of online abuse tooCredit: APMARK 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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      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