Michael Oliver has been appointed as the referee for Sunday’s derby between North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with the appointment. Many fans have recounted Lewis Myles-Skelly’s red card in January, suggesting the referee has a bias against Mikel Arteta’s club.
Michael Oliver Wrongfully Sent Off Arsenal Defender Myles Lewis-Skelly
Michael Oliver showed Arsenal defender Lewis Myles-Skelly a controversial red card in their 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League in January.
In the 43rd minute, Lewis-Skelly fouled Wolves’ Matt Doherty. The referee, who had a good view of the incident, produced a straight red, sending Myles-Skelly off for serious foul play.
Arsenal players strongly protested, but Oliver stuck to his guns, instead producing a yellow card to Jurrien Timber for dissent.
Michael Oliver will be in charge of Sunday's north London derby.
It will be the first Arsenal game he has taken charge of since he incorrectly sent of Myles Lewis-Skelly in the game at Wolves back in January. pic.twitter.com/gC79I1cywK
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) November 17, 2025
After the game, Arsenal appealed the decision, and the FA overturned Myles-Skelly’s red card, saving one of England’s youngest-ever goalscorers from a three-match ban.
Arsenal Fans React As Michael Oliver is Appointed for North London Derby
Arsenal, who have a four-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League table, face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Dropping points in the North London Derby could prove to be catastrophic, as Man City would come within striking distance if they beat Newcastle United on Saturday.
On X (formerly Twitter), Arsenal fans have criticised PGMOL for appointing Michael Oliver for such a crucial game. According to them, Oliver is biased towards Manchester City.
@clashyy3 wrote:
“Soon as City are involved in a title race, Michael Oliver is in VAR against Liverpool and then referee against Arsenal?”
Soon as City are involved in a title race, Michael Oliver is in VAR against Liverpool and then referee against Arsenal?
— ThatGuy (@clashyy3) November 18, 2025
@jollof_afc07 added:
“Terrible performance last time he was in charge of an Arsenal game?
“Shouldn’t we ease him back in lads? *gives him NLD*”
Terrible performance last time he was in charge of an Arsenal game?
Shouldn’t we ease him back in lads?
*gives him NLD*— Saks (@jollof_afc07) November 17, 2025
@sf_ninerz49 wrote:
“Right when City are within striking distance. Of course”
@arnoldmugogo said he did not want Oliver officiating in any of Arsenal’s games.
“We don’t want him anywhere our matches, but oh well, let’s deal with the corruption game by game!”
We don’t want him anywhere our matches, but oh well, let’s deal with the corruption game by game!
— Arnold Mugogo (@arnoldmugogo) November 18, 2025
@pepejajo added:
“It’s funny that suddenly City looks strong again Oliver starts to officiate our games. Fancy that”
Man City Have Had More Favourable Decisions Than Arsenal Under Michael Oliver
According to Transfermarkt, Manchester City and Arsenal have both played over 50 Premier League matches under Michael Oliver. The Cityzens have had much better fortunes under the referee, winning more games, earning more penalties, and seeing zero dismissals.
Man City’s Record Under Michael Oliver
Man City have played 51 Premier League games under Michael Oliver, winning 37, drawing five, and losing nine. They have been awarded 10 penalties.
No team in the Premier League have won more games and suffered fewer defeats under the referee (minimum 30 games played).
Interestingly, Oliver has never sent off a Man City player in the Premier League, neither through a double yellow nor a straight red. City have also had 72 yellow cards — the fewest among the top six Premier League clubs.
Arsenal’s Record Under Michael Oliver
Arsenal, meanwhile, are on the other end of the spectrum.
So far, Michael Oliver has officiated in 54 of Arsenal’s Premier League games. The Gunners have won 24, drawn 12, and lost 18.
Oliver gave them 100 yellow cards and sent off seven of their players in the Premier League, with three of them seeing straight red cards.
Michael Oliver. No penalty
Also Michael Oliver: Penalty. pic.twitter.com/DLlMv48WIC
— TheEuropeanLad (@ThaEuropeanLad) November 9, 2025
Arsenal have only received five penalties in 54 league games under Oliver.
Among the top six Premier League clubs, Arsenal have the worst record under Oliver. They have lost the most matches, rarely received penalties, and have had the most yellow cards and dismissals.
According to @Wanalyst007, Oliver has treated Arsenal twice “as harshly as any PL side”.
Building on the amazing work done by @scottjwillis, I made a simple viz to compare Michael Oliver’s refereeing decisions for the top 6. And the results are quite concerning if you’re an Arsenal fan.
To start with, Oliver punishes Arsenal nearly twice as harshly as any PL side 🧵 pic.twitter.com/lEKOYdJNAt
— Wasi (@Wanalyst007) January 27, 2025
After the Lewis-Skelly debacle, it will be interesting to see if the referee treads more carefully in Sunday’s North London Derby.
