Michael Oliver: UEFA 'won't get wrapped up' in Man City-Liverpool mistake amid Champions League appointment
Michael Oliver was never going to be punished by UEFA after a disappointing refereeing display in Manchester City versus Liverpool.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the referee has earned his appointment to officiate Real Madrid's clash with Bayern Munich.
PGMOL officials have often been under pressure in the Premier League this season, and both sets of supporters at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 4 April, were left frustrated.
During Man City's 4-0 win against Liverpool, Pep Guardiola, watching from the stands, was baffled when Rayan Cherki wasn't awarded a penalty against Milos Kerkez, one of Oliver's poor decisions.
Michael Oliver appointed to Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich after FA Cup blunder
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “There are two businesses here. There’s the PGMOL, which includes the FA, but UEFA is a separate entity, and Michael Oliver is heading for the World Cup.
“He’ll be representing UEFA, and they recognise him as an elite referee. The appointment is made a week in advance, so they won’t get wrapped up with anything domestically.
“They make their decisions based on how the referees perform in the Champions League or any other European competitions.
| Man City | Stats | Liverpool |
| 49% | Possession | 51% |
| 2.44 | xG | 1.46 |
| 4 | Big chances | 2 |
| 0 | Big chances missed | 2 |
| 15 | Fouls committed | 10 |
| 5 | Keeper saves | 3 |
“Oliver made a mistake, in my opinion, but he’s rated highly in Europe. That’s why he’s officiating a top-class match. It’s an outstanding appointment for him.”
What else did the referee get wrong in FA Cup thrashing?
It was not the referee's best performance by a long shot, with both Man City and Liverpool fans making their feelings known on Oliver, who will next feature in Europe.
One rather unusual incident was when Antoine Semenyo escaped giving away a free-kick for handball, despite the attacker catching the ball before it had gone out for a throw-in.
He also got in the way to deny the Citizens a fifth on the day, blocking Bernardo Silva, who had Omar Marmoush running ahead of him, before Arne Slot's side had a chance of their own.