Ex-Premier League referee hails ‘big lad’ who ‘stepped in and used his weight’ after ‘very physical clash’ at Liverpool
Michael Oliver’s handling of the spat between Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp in Arsenal’s 4-0 loss to Liverpool was “world-class”, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted Oliver’s approach was “textbook”.
Arteta was incensed by Sadio Mane’s challenge on Takehiro Tomiyasu and Klopp reacted angrily.
Both were shown yellow cards after they were split up by the fourth official and various coaching staff.
“I thought it was handled really, really well,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“You don’t want that to happen. You know there’s passion and the odd word can be misconstrued and we don’t know what was said. It sparked a very physical clash.
“Andy Madley, who was the fourth official, he’s a big lad. He stepped in and used his weight and authority really well.
“Also, the staff of both teams came in and kept Klopp and Arteta away from each other.
“Firstly, there’s no doubts Oliver is our best referee. He had an outstanding game. The way he handled this, what’s grown in recent years is his maturity. He remained neutral, he didn’t overreact. It was absolutely brilliant, textbook.
“He remained calm, he didn’t overplay the yellow cards, he didn’t over demonstrate, he didn’t give a long speech, he didn’t look angry. There was so much good about that and his performance.
“He is a world-class referee, there are no doubts. His self-control was brilliant. Sometimes you can pile in.
“He didn’t jump in with red cards, he went through the right process which was a public warning.”
In other news, Michael Edwards has been hailed as “amazing” after a Liverpool source’s £117m Mo Salah talks update today.