Arsenal get unwanted referee appointment for Chelsea match after 'ruining' title clash

Michael Oliver fielding complaints from Arsenal stars. (Image: Getty.)

The Premier League have confirmed that Michael Oliver will referee Arsenal's trip to Chelsea on Sunday, his first blockbuster fixture since sending Leandro Trossard off in the Gunners' controversial 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

Oliver will be joined by Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring as his two assistants, with Andy Madley named the fourth official. Paul Tierney will take charge of the VAR, assisted by Richard West.

As one of the Premier League's most highly-respected officials, Oliver resumed his duties after the contentious sending off of Trossard after he kicked the ball away following a foul on Bernardo Silva.

Related articles Edu's brutal six-word verdict as final transfer call comes back to bite Arsenal Jamie Carragher tears apart Arsenal transfers after chief Edu's resignation

Even Manchester United icon Peter Schmeichel even went as far as to accuse Oliver of trying to "ruin" the title clash in September, where John Stones scored a 98th-minute equaliser to send the Etihad into raptures.

"Michael Oliver is doing everything he can to make this race for everyone," Schmeichel said. "This is the biggest game in the Premier League so far! Soft yellow cards!

const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&vp_content=plembed3e7arguyxmsj&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)};window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

"Why is Michael Oliver trying to ruin it? It's a big game, emotions are flying high — understand what you are dealing with here, but no — Michael Oliver wants himself in the spotlight!"

Michael Oliver will take charge of Arsenal and Chelsea once again. (Image: Getty)

While the league's Key Match Incidents panel were split on Oliver's red card. The panel, which reviews all key refereeing decisions in the English top flight each week, wrote: "Trossard clearly delays the restart by kicking the ball away."

It was not unanimous, however, as one panellist felt that the "split-second nature of the kick away was enough of a mitigating factor".

Oliver has since been kept away from the biggest Premier League fixtures, working Bournemouth's 3-1 win over Southampton, Everton's 2-0 away victory at Ipswich, Brighton's 2-2 draw with Wolves and Bournemouth's surprise 2-1 win over Manchester City since.

Trending window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241105.min.js" SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Arsenal head in the game hoping to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat away to Newcastle last time out, with Mikel Arteta's outfit winless in their last three league games.

Chelsea, meanwhile, drew 1-1 with Manchester United on Sunday thanks to Moises Caicedo's long-range effort. They moved level with the Gunners by picking up that point at Old Trafford.

Both teams will be hoping to avoid any controversy involving Oliver and his officials, with the teams each seven points adrift of Liverpool at the top of the table.

Arsenal get unwanted referee appointment for Chelsea match after 'ruining' title clash

Arsenal get unwanted referee appointment for Chelsea match after 'ruining' title clash

Arsenal get unwanted referee appointment for Chelsea match after 'ruining' title clash

Arsenal get unwanted referee appointment for Chelsea match after 'ruining' title clash

Arsenal get unwanted referee appointment for Chelsea match after 'ruining' title clash