Football

Arsenal Fans Fear History Will Repeat Itself As Referee Named For Manchester City Showdown

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Ben Horlock
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Ben Horlock Sports Editor

Ben Horlock is a sports news and features writer who holds a degree in sports journalism (BA Hons) from Southampton Solent University. Ben has been published across a wide variety of news outlets and websites including HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport, Betfair and Zoo Magazine. As well, Ben has worked in social media for four years in the sports gambling industry. For his sins, Ben is a QPR fan and is a keen follower of all the major European football leagues.

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Published18 Sep 2024

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The Manchester City vs Arsenal referee has been announced as Michael Oliver – which has raised deep concern amongst Gunners supporters. 

Sunday’s highly-anticipated epic at the Etihad Stadium is already being built up as a potential title decider. Despite it being just the fifth game of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

Last season, Mikel Arteta’s side took four points off the Cityzens without conceding a goal. However, it was Pep Guardiola’s side who went on to win the league.

Not only will the red half of north London be aiming to claim precious points once again, they will want to see a solid and professional refereeing display.

Assisting Oliver will be Stuart Burt and Dan Cook. Fourth official duties fall to Andy Madley with John Brooks and Richard West on VAR.

Manchester City Vs Arsenal Referee And Premier League Match Officials (Sunday September 22)

  • Referee: Michael Oliver
  • Assistants: Stuart Burt and Dan Cook
  • Fourth Official: Andy Madley
  • VAR Officials: John Brooks and Richard West (assist)

Michael Oliver Announced As The Manchester City Vs Arsenal Referee

The reason the announcement of Michael Oliver as the Manchester City vs Arsenal referee has upset Gunners fans is owing to an incident last season.

Many believed that Mateo Kovacic should have been given a straight red card for a horror lunge on Martin Odegaard. Instead, Oliver deemed a booking to be sufficient.

Nonetheless, Mikel Arteta’s side managed to claim a 1-0 victory at the Emirates. Winger Gabriel Martinelli netted the winner four minutes from time.

And the Brazilian was also the topic of debate when Oliver sent him off against Wolves for two quick-fire bookings in the 2021/22 season. A decision which baffled fans and pundits alike.

Naturally, Arsenal fans have not forgotten about Oliver’s debatable moments in the two games mentioned. There are even some who claim Oliver was paid £20,000 in 2023 to referee a game in UAE, funded by City’s owner.

Ahead of Sunday’s clash, the best football betting sites in the UK make Pep Guardiola’s side the 4/5 favourites. The draw can be backed at 11/4 with the Gunners 15/4 to win.

Arsenal Fans Reactions On X

After the announcement as Michael Oliver as the Manchester City vs Arsenal referee, Gunners fans shared their worries on X, formerly Twitter.

Unsurprisingly, most were quick to bring up the Mateo Kovacic incident from last season. Not only that, some highlighted the fact Oliver has never sent off a Cityzens player in the Premier League.

Sunday’s official has also awarded Pep Guardiola’s side 11 penalties in England’s elite division. Furthermore, Oliver has awarded the champions fewer yellow cards compared to the rest of the top eight sides.

Scroll down for some of the best reactions.