Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor have discovered their roles in Week 6 of the Premier League season after a hugely controversial weekend in England’s top flight
Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor are set to return to refereeing duties in the Premier League’s sixth week. The top-flight has confirmed that both will be involved in on-field roles this coming weekend, following a weekend filled with controversy.
Oliver was at the centre of several contentious decisions during Manchester City’s nail-biting 2-2 draw against Arsenal, where John Stones’ 98th-minute equaliser secured a point for Pep Guardiola’s team.
Arsenal were left outraged after Leandro Trossard was shown two yellow cards in the first half, the second of which was controversially given for allegedly kicking the ball away. Kyle Walker and his City colleagues were also irate when Oliver called the England international out of position just before Arsenal scored their first goal.
Arsenal were left outraged after Leandro Trossard was shown two yellow cards in the first half, the second of which was controversially given for allegedly kicking the ball away. Kyle Walker and his City colleagues were also irate when Oliver called the England international out of position just before Arsenal scored their first goal.
Oliver will serve as the video assistant referee for Chelsea’s match against Brighton on Saturday, but he’ll return to the main role for Southampton’s south coast derby against Bournemouth on Monday evening (Sept. 30).
Taylor is back on refereeing duties after serving as the fourth official for Nottingham Forest’s thrilling 2-2 draw against Brighton. He played a part in persuading referee Rob Jones to issue Morgan Gibbs-White his second yellow card for a tackle on Joao Pedro, despite Jones initially suggesting Gibbs-White had won the ball.
Both Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo and Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler were sent off by Jones, while Gibbs-White was seen shouting as he left the pitch. Taylor was not included in the previous weekend’s refereeing roster after presiding over a contentious match between Chelsea and Bournemouth the week before, which saw an incredible 14 yellow cards issued.
Taylor will mark his comeback by officiating another of England’s top teams, as Liverpool aim to defeat Wolves at Molineux. The referee has overseen more Liverpool games than any other club in his career so far, including their 3-0 triumph over Manchester United earlier in September.
Jones, on the other hand, won’t be taking the lead in Week 6, instead serving as the fourth official for Manchester City’s visit to Newcastle. However, this doesn’t mean the pressure will be any less, as City strive to return to winning form on challenging ground.
Meanwhile Forest’s game at home to Fulham on Saturday will be refereed by Josh Smith, who will be assisted by Neil Davies and James Mainwaring. Tim Robinson is fourth official and John Brooks is VAR.
