Howard Webb: ‘Michael Oliver wrong to send off Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly’

After the match, PGMOL said police were investigating “threats and abuse” directed at Oliver and his family on social media.

Oliver returned to refereeing swiftly, taking charge of Southampton’s 2-1 win at Ipswich a week after sending off Lewis-Skelly.

He then refereed the 2-2 draw between Everton and Liverpool on 12 February.

In that last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before Everton move to Bramley-Moore Dock, he showed Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure red cards after the game had ended when the pair clashed as the latter started celebrating in front of the away fans.

In a chaotic ending, Liverpool manager Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also sent off by Oliver.

“Nobody should be subject to threats, their families shouldn’t be subject to threats – whether that be officials or players,” added Webb when asked about the comments Oliver received on social media after dismissing Lewis-Skelly.

“It’s really disappointing.

“People won’t always want to agree with the decision. Yes, they can criticise where they feel that is justifiable, but not to the level we saw in this situation where it led to threats against the referee, the officials in this game and their families.

“It’s wholly unacceptable.”