Has Michael Oliver left the Premier League? Many are wondering after spotting the 38-year-old refereeing in Saudi Arabia.
The Ashington-born referee was seen officiating Al-Nassr’s clash against Al-Hilal on Tuesday night as Cristiano Ronaldo went up against Odion Ighalo in the Saudi Pro League.
Oliver actually handed Ronaldo a yellow card after the Portugal international dragged Gustavo down to the ground with a bizarre headlock, as a brace from Ighalo secured a 2-0 win for Al-Hilal.
So, is Oliver staying in the Saudi Pro League, or will he return to the Premier League? Let’s take a look…
Michael Oliver
Well – to put it simply – Oliver has not left the Premier League.
The Newcastle fan was named in UEFA’s Elite Group of Referees back in 2018, which means he is often tasked with officiating in more competitions than just the Premier League.
Oliver is regularly seen in the UEFA Champions League and also the UEFA Europa League.
In this instance, Oliver was chosen to officiate Al Nassr’s 2-0 defeat to Al-Hilal as the Saudi Pro League often fly in a big name referee for their most high profile matches.
Antonio Mateu Lahoz – who officiated at the World Cup and is commonly seen in La Liga – was named as referee for a Saudi Pro League clash in March, for example.
So – unlike players or managers – referees are able to represent a number of different leagues, meaning Oliver has not left the Premier League for good as many assumed was the case.
That should come as a relief to fans of Premier League sides.
While Oliver and many others make mistakes in the Premier League, he is arguably the best official English football has to offer – it is no surprise to see that he has been chosen to officiate Arsenal’s huge clash against Manchester City on Wednesday, a game which could decide the Premier League title race.
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