Premier League referee Michael Oliver is once again at the center of debate after his involvement in Sunday’s fiery clash between Liverpool and Manchester City — and the fallout has reignited conversations about his restrictions from officiating certain clubs.
The 40-year-old, one of England’s most experienced referees with over 400 Premier League games to his name, was on VAR duty during the match, which saw Virgil van Dijk’s first-half header controversially ruled out. Officials determined that Andy Robertson, standing in an offside position, was “interfering with play” — a decision that left Arne Slot and Liverpool supporters furious.
Following the 3–0 defeat, Slot labeled the call “obviously wrong,” insisting Robertson did nothing to impede the goalkeeper. The controversy has since spotlighted Oliver’s unique officiating limitations — he is banned from refereeing matches involving Newcastle United and Sunderland due to his long-standing allegiance to his boyhood club, Newcastle.
Oliver previously revealed he even played for Newcastle’s youth side, explaining, “You can’t do any match involving that team, and I can’t do Sunderland either — for obvious reasons.” Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett confirmed referees must declare club allegiances each season to ensure neutrality.
While Oliver’s ban from specific fixtures is standard procedure, Sunday’s controversy has once again fueled discussions around VAR consistency and the pressures facing referees in high-stakes Premier League fMichael Oliver banned clubs, Liverpool VAR controversy, Michael Oliver Newcastle, Michael Oliver Sunderland, Premier League referee rules, Liverpool vs Manchester City VAR, Arne Slot reaction, Virgil van Dijk goal disallowed
