PGMOL says it is “shocked” at the level of vitriol directed at referee Michael Oliver on social media following Myles Lewis-Skelly's red card during Arsenal's win at Wolves.
Arsenal are expected to appeal the dismissal amid widespread criticism of Oliver's decision, despite the body responsible for refereeing games in English professional association football defending the decision on Sunday.
Lewis-Skelly was sent off for fouling Matt Doherty at the edge of the wolf box.
The decision was “checked and confirmed” by Darren England, with VAR deeming Lewis-Skelly to have committed “serious foul play”.
Following online abuse from Oliver, a PGMOL statement said: “We are shocked by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal Presture.
“No public servant should be subjected to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks targeting Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.
“Police are aware and a number of investigations have begun. We support Michael and all those affected and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.
“Unfortunately, this is not the first time a match official has been targeted with threats in recent times. We will continue to support all investigations.”
Reaction to the red card..
“I can't believe Michael Oliver sent Lewis-Skelly there,” Sky Sports' Tim Sherwood said on Football Saturday.
“It's so clear and I'll leave it to you,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports after the match. “I'm absolutely fuming. But I'll leave it to you, it's so obvious I don't think my words will help.”
PGMOL's position on the incident is that the challenge is extremely late, the point of contact is high and video evidence supports that conclusion.
In the second half of Arsenal's win, Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes was only shown a yellow card for a high and late tackle on Jurrien Timber.
Although Gomes was sent off, the fact he was dismissed for two bookings means he will only miss one match.
Lewis-Skelly, on the other hand, is currently set to miss Arsenal's home match with Manchester City, live on Sky Sports on Sunday, as well as the televised second leg of their Carabao Cup Semi-Final with Newcastle and the Premier League trip to Leicester On February 15.
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