Michael Oliver ‘must be axed from VAR’ -Man United vs Brighton controversy takes new twist
Howard Webb needs to make sure that Michael Oliver is refereeing games rather than being on VAR after he was not as his best at Stockley Park when Man United took on Brighton.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Michael Oliver should only be refereeing rather than on VAR as he prepares for next year’s World Cup.
Oliver was the main VAR official for Man United‘s 4-2 win over Brighton on Saturday (25 October) at Old Trafford in a game clouded by some controversial incidents.
The most notable of those came in the first-half as Red Devils winger Amad was denied a penalty by referee Anthony Taylor and Oliver, who both failed to intervene after Maxim de Cuyper’s rash challenge.
Michael Oliver blasted for poor Man United vs Brighton showing
Former referees chief Hackett has previously told Football Insider that he feels the top English officials should be taken off VAR duty to reduce fatigue and make sure they are operating to the highest of standards as the man in the middle each week.
Oliver allowed a “clear and obvious error” to stand when on VAR last month, as Burnley‘s Zian Flemming was allowed to stay on the field for an elbow on Aston Villa‘s Emi Buendia.
The 40-year-old was involved in more VAR controversy this past weekend as Amad went down in the area due to reckless tackle from De Cuyper, but nothing was given despite replays showing clear contact.
Hackett told Football Insider that the Amad foul was a “nailed-on penalty,” while also admitting that there was “no excuse” for Oliver not to review the challenge and send Taylor to the VAR pitchside monitor.
Hackett tells Webb that Oliver must not be on VAR anymore
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Oliver’s lack of intervention and how he should be handled by PGMOL chief Webb, the former referee said: “Michael Oliver needs to focus and continue the quality of the delivery of his refereeing. There are some who are really good referees, others who are exceptional at running the line.
“I have no doubt, at this stage, six years down the line, Howard Webb should know who his best VAR operators are, and nail them to the seat.
“If you’re a good VAR operator, I’m going to cross the table and tell you, ‘That’s all I want you to do’. It’s a specialised role. Oliver shouldn’t be on VAR, simple as that.
“Howard Webb should use Michael Oliver as a referee. He’s earned his stripes, and ahead of the World Cup, it’s so important that these guys are prepared and fully fit.”