Michael Oliver ignored rule and ‘wanted Arne Slot confrontation’ as ex-Prem ref speaks out | Football | Sport

A former Premier League referee has blasted Michael Oliver for his role in the controversy that followed Wednesday’s Merseyside derby. In a chaotic finale, James Tarkowski scored a 98th-minute equaliser despite Liverpool’s complaints over a push in the area.

But the potential missed foul was far from the biggest talking point, as both sets of players became embroiled in a brawl after the final whistle.

As a result, Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure and away player Curtis Jones were both sent off after receiving a second yellow card each, while Liverpool manager Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff also saw red.

The FA have since confirmed that both clubs, as well as Slot and Hulshof, have been charged over the unsavoury scenes. But Hackett believes that Oliver, long regarded as one of England’s leading officials, was responsible for instigating his confrontation with the Dutch manager.

“I cannot see why, after the game is over, he has to stand with his colleagues in the middle waiting for confrontation,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “Whether this is instruction or advice from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) or not, the game is over.

“The referee can monitor Doucoure’s actions, creating mass confrontation from a distance. But he is stood there. My view is that he should leave the field of play as quickly as possible to avoid the confrontation with the Liverpool manager.”

After Jones, who had reacted angrily to Doucoure celebrating in front of Liverpool fans, had been shown red Slot appeared to aggressively shake the hand of Oliver before having words with the referee. And Hackett also believes that situation should have been handled better.

“The confrontation between Oliver and Slot could have been avoided,” he continued. “Because there is the 30-minute arrangement in place where a manager can knock on the door, and the referee can invite him in and clarify any situation rather than produce a red card.

“If you have got a manager inflamed, you recognise and are aware of that and say ‘30 minutes after come and see me’. If you are stood there, you are inviting that problem.”

Hackett also branded Oliver “arrogant,” although in his press conference on Friday, Slot did concede he had let his emotions get the better of him. He now faces the prospect of a touchline ban, and has until February 19 to appeal.

Only last month, police in the UK launched an investigation over Oliver being subjected to threats after taking charge of Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Wolves. It followed him issuing a dubious red card to Myles Lewis-Skelly during the first half.