Football
29 Jan 2025
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Arteta: “Online Abuse Damages Our Game”

We don't want it, we don't need it - Arteta on online abuse

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has strongly condemned the online abuse directed at referee Michael Oliver, calling it a serious issue that is damaging football.

Oliver faced threats after sending off Myles Lewis-Skelly during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Wolves, a red card that was later overturned upon review.

💬 “Let’s get it out, let’s kick it out,” Arteta urged in his press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Girona.


📌 The Controversy: Lewis-Skelly’s Overturned Red Card

🔹 Michael Oliver dismissed Myles Lewis-Skelly for a late challenge during Arsenal’s game against Wolves.
🔹 Video Assistant Referee (VAR) upheld the decision at the time.
🔹 Arsenal appealed, and an independent commission overturned the three-match ban.

However, the incident led to a wave of abuse directed at Oliver, prompting a police investigation.

🚨 PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) and the Premier League condemned the abuse, supporting ongoing investigations.


👎 Arteta’s Stand Against Online Hate

Arteta emphasized that abuse of referees, players, and coaches must be eradicated from the game:

💬 “We don’t want it, we don’t need it, and it certainly damages our sport.”

🔹 The Arsenal manager also called for stricter laws against online abuse, noting that while there are measures against hate speech in other areas, football still lacks strong enforcement.

“We have laws for other forms of abuse, but on social media, nothing has been done. We talk about it, but no real action is taken,” he stated.


📌 The Bigger Picture: Rising Online Hate in Football

This isn’t an isolated incident. Just last week:

🔹 A 17-year-old was arrested for online abuse directed at Arsenal’s Kai Havertz and his wife after the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.
🔹 Referees, including Michael Oliver, continue to face intense scrutiny and harassment after controversial decisions.

With growing concerns over social media threats, Arteta’s call for action highlights an issue that football authorities can no longer ignore.


🚨 What’s Next for Oliver?

Despite the controversy, Michael Oliver will officiate Ipswich vs. Southampton this weekend.

📌 Key upcoming assignments for Oliver:
✔️ Ipswich vs. Southampton (Premier League, 3 Feb)
✔️ Everton vs. Liverpool (Merseyside Derby, 5 Feb)

❌ He will not referee Arsenal vs. Manchester City on Sunday, with Peter Bankes taking charge instead.

🔎 It is routine for officials not to referee the same team in consecutive games.

💬 What do you think should be done to combat online abuse in football? Share your thoughts below!

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