Michael Oliver Barred from Officiating Two Clubs Following Liverpool VAR Dispute

Michael Oliver banned from refereeing two clubs after Liverpool–Man City controversy

Michael Oliver has been temporarily sidelined from officiating two clubs following heavy criticism of his role in Sunday’s Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City.

The 40-year-old, one of England’s most senior referees with over 400 top-flight games, was on VAR duty for the match at the Etihad. He came under fire after Virgil van Dijk’s first-half header was ruled out by VAR, which judged Andy Robertson to be offside and interfering with play. The decision drew anger from Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who insisted the goal was wrongly disallowed and that Robertson “didn’t interfere at all.” Liverpool went on to lose 3–0.

Oliver, a lifelong Newcastle United fan and former youth player for the club, is prohibited from overseeing matches involving Newcastle or their rivals Sunderland due to conflict-of-interest rules. He explained in a previous interview that referees must declare any club allegiances or family ties to teams, which determine the fixtures they are barred from.

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has confirmed that referees’ backgrounds are reviewed each season to prevent potential bias, saying officials must disclose their support history and place of residence to ensure fair appointments.