BangerboyIn a move that has sent shockwaves through the English top flight, Michael Oliver has reportedly been barred from officiating future matches involving both Everton and Manchester City following a “catastrophic” performance at the Hill Dickson Stadium. The decision comes after a high-stakes 3-3 draw on Monday night, May 4, 2026, where the veteran referee was accused of failing to acknowledge four major errors that directly influenced the final result and the trajectory of the Premier League title race.
While the PGMOL has not officially used the word “ban,” sources indicate that Oliver will be removed from the selection pool for both clubs for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. The controversy stems from four distinct incidents that have left even neutral observers baffled. Chief among them was the failure to award Everton a late penalty for a handball by Abdukodir Khusanov—a decision later scrutinized by leaked VAR audio—and a missed red card challenge by Michael Keane on Jeremy Doku earlier in the match.
The “four huge errors” cited by analysts include:
The denied Everton penalty for Khusanov’s handball.
A failure to send off Michael Keane for a reckless, studs-up tackle.
Allowing play to continue for Manchester City’s equalizer despite the clock exceeding the signaled six minutes of stoppage time.
An unpunished “pull-down” on Everton’s Merlin Rohl during a set-piece.
The fallout has been particularly severe due to the implications for Manchester City’s title charge. Fans at the stadium erupted in chants accusing the league of corruption, a sentiment that only intensified when it was revealed that Oliver was unable to explain the inconsistencies during a post-match tunnel discussion with Jack Grealish. By sidelining one of their most senior officials from these specific fixtures, the PGMOL is attempting to de-escalate a toxic atmosphere. However, for David Moyes and the Everton faithful, this retrospective disciplinary action offers little comfort for the points lost in a match that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons
Musty
Rabiu
