UEFA have made a decision regarding Michael Oliver’s involvement in this week’s Champions League fixtures.
Oliver, 40, is widely regarded as the best referee in English football but has been the subject of criticism in recent weeks.
Just as the backlash following the drama which unfolded after the Merseyside derby had settled down, he was once again under the spotlight for his refereeing performance during Crystal Palace’s 3-1 win against Millwall in the FA Cup fifth round at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
The main talking point from the game happened when Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off following a reckless challenge on Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Mateta, 27, who received a blow to the head, was treated on the pitch and provided oxygen before he was taken to the hospital.
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The challenge even prompted Palace chairman Steve Parish to label it as “the most reckless challenge on a football pitch” he had ever seen.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown said: "It is unbelievable how he has got his foot that high. Terrible, horrific challenge.”
“The referee should have seen it; it was right in front of him,” he added when speaking on BBC Match of the Day.
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There has been some debate about whether Roberts intended to injure Mateta, but members of the media and fans were left baffled by referee Oliver as he still consulted with the video assistant referee (VAR) despite the challenge occurring just yards from him, seemingly allowing him a clear view.
Oliver initially allowed play to continue before he was surrounded by Palace players.
Former Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOB) – now Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) – chief Keith Hackett slammed Oliver when speaking to Football Insider.
“What an appalling challenge, and I have to ask the question why one of the world’s top referees failed to immediately show a red card,” said Hackett.
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“It is frankly an absolute no-brainer.”
And despite the criticism aimed at Oliver, UEFA have announced that he will take charge of a Champions League tie this week.
On Wednesday, Oliver will referee Bayern Munich’s Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash with Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
Topics: Michael Oliver, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Crystal Palace, Millwall, FA Cup, Champions League
Luke Davies