Former Gunner criticises another controversial Michael Oliver decision | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has become the latest person to criticise English referee Michael Oliver after a penalty decision in Bayer Leverkusen’s midweek defeat to Bayern Munich.

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Michael Oliver has faced a lot of criticism from all angles in recent weeks, initially beginning with his poor decision to show Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a red card against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The decision was so obviously incorrect that it was quickly rescinded on appeal, despite VAR failing to overturn it on the day. Arsenal fans were particularly annoyed given Oliver had also dismissed Leandro Trossard for a soft second yellow earlier in the season.

Liverpool’s Arne Slot is also serving a two-match ban for his outburst against the same referee, complaining that Oliver might have cost his team the league title based on his officiating in their 2-2 draw with Everton.

After that, Oliver was the subject of further criticism from Crystal Palace fans after initially failing to send off Millwall’s Liam Roberts for a boot to the face of Jean-Philippe Mateta. VAR stepped in to correct that one.

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Now, Granit Xhaka has entered the fray, complaining about a penalty given to Bayern Munich in their win over Xhaka’s side Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.

“In the Premier League, [Michael Oliver] doesn’t give that,” Xhaka said.

“I spent seven years there and know Michael. I’m convinced he wouldn’t whistle it in the Premier League.

“There are so many blocks in the Premier League that today it was nothing. It’s a bit disappointing from him to whistle such a penalty at this level and probably decide the game.

“If you give a penalty for every block, there would be so many penalties every game.”

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The penalty incident in question came in the 72nd minute, with Bayern already 2-0 up and Leverkusen down to 10 men. There could be little complaints about the red card, with Nordi Mukiele putting his studs into the back of Kingsley Coman’s leg when already on a yellow.

The penalty was much more contentious, with Harry Kane clearly being held as the corner came in, but perhaps no more than you see on most set pieces.

In fairness to Oliver, he didn’t initially give the penalty. It was only when VAR advised him to review the incident that he changed his mind. And we all know that being sent to the monitor is effectively being politely asked to change your decision.

But it’s just another week the referee is making headlines over controversial decisions.