Police and Social Media Companies Join Forces to Identify Trolls Behind Abusive Threats Targeting Michael Oliver After Arsenal vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Match

The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) has launched a swift investigation into the abusive messages aimed at referee Michael Oliver following his decision to send off Myles Lewis-Skelly during the Arsenal vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers match on January 26.

The social media backlash was severe, with trolls directing harmful threats, some even targeting Oliver’s family.

The UKFPU has already reached out to social media platforms to trace the culprits as quickly as possible.

Abusive Messages Spark Outrage

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the governing body for referees, condemned the abuse and described it as “abhorrent.”

Among the threats were disturbing messages claiming to know Oliver’s home address and making disturbing references to his young family.

This led PGMOL to contact the UKFPU, who promptly took charge of the investigation, expressing outrage over the nature of the online harassment.

Swift Action Thanks to Improved Relations With Social Media

One of the key factors speeding up this investigation is the improved cooperation between police and major social media platforms like X and Facebook.

Officers can now receive crucial information from these companies within days, a significant improvement over previous years, when delays could derail cases due to the Malicious Communications Act’s six-month time limit.

This quicker response has raised hopes that the offenders will be caught before time runs out.

Background on the Incident

The abuse followed Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Oliver made the controversial decision to send off Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The abusive messages were directed at the referee shortly after the match.

On January 26, PGMOL reported the issue to the police, marking the beginning of an official investigation.

The UKFPU has since been working closely with social media companies to track down those responsible for the harassment.

PGMOL Speaks Out

In a statement released on January 26, PGMOL expressed its outrage at the attacks.

“No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours,” the statement read.

They emphasized that such behavior has no place in football, urging for the perpetrators to be held accountable.

As the investigation continues, both the police and PGMOL are committed to ensuring justice is served, sending a clear message that online abuse against referees will not be tolerated.