Richard Keys calls for Michael Oliver to step aside as West Ham example raised
West Ham have been used as a reference by Richard Keys amid the ongoing controversy surrounding referee Michael Oliver.
The 40-year-old was widely considered as the best referee in the Premier League, but that status has been questioned recently after a number of bizarre decisions.
The latest of which was during a clash between the Hammers’ London rivals Millwall and Crystal Palace, in which Jean-Philippe Mateta was clattered by Lions goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
However, Oliver only gave a yellow card initially and his decision was corrected by VAR afterwards and a red card was dished out.
West Ham used to criticise Oliver
Keys used numerous decisions to slam Oliver in his latest blog, with a decision that went in favour of the Hammers being one of them.
He referenced the penalty handed to the Irons in the 2-1 win over Manchester United on 27 October, which Jarrod Bowen converted at the death.
Keys said: “How much longer can Michael Oliver be allowed to arrogantly strut around making one big error after another? He’s having a terrible season.
“First there was the pen at West Ham that wasn’t. Remember him telling the match ref David Coote (from the bunker) to change his mind and give West Ham a pen in the dying minutes v United? Wrong call.
“Then there was the Lewis-Skelly red at Wolves. That decision is made to look all the more ridiculous when you watch Liam Roberts assault on Mateta.
“Have another look at it. Oliver doesn’t even whistle initially. Doubtless Webb will tell us on Sorry! Oliver was allowing a phase of play to develop.
“Even when he realised something had happened Oliver only showed Roberts a yellow card. What didn’t he see?
“VAR should never have had to get involved? Mateta ended up with 27 stitches. Oliver failed again. It’s time to give him a rest and let him know he’s not as good as he thinks he is.”
Premier League referees under scrutiny
It seems like Premier League referees are under more scrutiny than ever lately and rightfully so after an abundance of controversial decisions.
The Hammers may have benefitted from a decision in the United clash but they have been on the receiving end of some harsh calls, too.
Referees have video technology to analyse incidents and come to the right decision and often it either takes too long or the call they make is a questionable one.
| Stats (All competitions) | Matches refereed | Yellow cards | Red cards | Penalties awarded |
| Oliver (v West Ham) | 44 | 67 | 3 | 6 |
For example, a VAR check in the FA Cup clash between Bournemouth and Wolves took eight minutes – that is far too long and only serves to frustrate supporters.
The PGMOL need to sort it out otherwise fans will lose trust with referees and abuse will continue, which nobody wants to see.
However, it is understandable given the fine margins at stake and the current decision-making process which takes an age and often gives the wrong decision despite having video replays from all sorts of angles.
The latest decision under the microscope will only lead to more scrutiny because it was so egregious. Regardless of an intention to get the ball, it was a clear red card. How Oliver missed that in real time is baffling.