What Is Happening To Referee Michael Oliver After Champions League Controversy Is Just Awful

Almost a week after Juventus were knocked out of the Champions League, referee Michael Oliver and his wife Lucy continue to be targeted by online trolls.

Because of the extent of the abuse, police have offered them support after threatening messages were directed towards the pair.

It has also emerged that police are investigating text messages sent to Lucy Oliver as they face the backlash of his penalty decision in the last minute of the Champions League quarter final.

Lucy's mobile number was reportedly posted on social media after the game which led to death threats via text.

According to The Daily Mail, police are also looking into reports of people banging on the front door of the couple's home address and shouting abuse through their letterbox.

Things have gone way too far.

As you can see by the above tweet, it doesn't take long to find a number of threats to Oliver on social media and a Northumbria Police spokesperson condemned the abuse:

"We are aware of threatening messages being posted on social media. This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and those writing the messages need to be aware that they could be committing a criminal offence." the statement read.

"Neighbourhood officers are in touch with the victims in this case to offer them support and ensure any further offences are reported to police."

Gianluigi Buffon made some bold comments after the game but he recently defended his claims, even if it did 'damage his reputation':

"I have to defend my team-mates and fans, even in a not very composed fashion. I had to let that out, even if it damaged my reputation," he told Italian TV.

"You find a way to speak, right or wrong, that at times can seem excessive - but this is me, I am Gigi Buffon.

"I'd say them all again - maybe with a different type of language, one that was more civilised, let's say. The content remains and I stand by all of it."

Thoughts on the incident?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football News, Michael Oliver, Football, Champions League

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_