Ex-PGMOL chief blasts Oliver for needing VAR in Palace 3-1 Millwall

Michael Oliver sent off Liam Roberts during Crystal Palace’s 3-1 win over Millwall after advice from VAR

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has criticised Michael Oliver for needing to rely on VAR to send off Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts on Saturday. Crystal Palace beat the Lions 3-1 at Selhurst Park to set up an FA Cup quarter final tie with Fulham.

Match Referee Michael Oliver reviews an incident on the pitch side VAR monitor which resulted in a red card decision during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Crystal Palace and Millwall at Selhurst Park on March 01, 2025 in London, England. | Getty Images

placeholder image — Match Referee Michael Oliver reviews an incident on the pitch side VAR monitor which resulted in a red card decision during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Crystal Palace and Millwall at Selhurst Park on March 01, 2025 in London, England. | Getty Images

The contest was marred by a serious head injury to Eagles striker Jean-Philippe Mateta who has kicked in the head by Roberts early in the game. He required 25 stitches and was sent to hospital to receive further treatment. Initially match referee Oliver did not caution or send off Roberts but would show a red card to the Millwall man after VAR told him to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor.

Millwall boss Alex Neil had no complaints about the decision while the incident received an angry reaction from some quarters. Arsenal fan Piers Morgan was one big name to hit out at Roberts for the reckless nature of the challenge.

Hackett not impressed by Oliver

Hackett is a former referee and PGMOL chief and speaking to Football Insider he lambasted Oliver for requiring the use of VAR to send Roberts off. Hackett said: “What an appalling challenge and I have to ask the question why one of the world’s top referees failed to immediately show a red card. It is frankly an absolute no brainer.

“What is also appalling is that referee Michael Oliver had to rely on VAR in order to deliver the outcome. It didn’t need a second look, it was horrendous.”

Oliver has been involved in a number of controversial incidents of late. He sent off Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolves with the decision later overturned by an independent panel. He was also the man in the middle for a heated Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park. Oliver sent off two players and two coaches after the final whistle in that game as tensions spilled over.

Oliver defended by another ex-ref

Speaking on talkSPORT on Monday morning, ex-ref Mark Halsey defended Oliver and still believes the official is one of the best referees in the country. He also feels that VAR has made referees more hesitant to make the big calls, with the knowledge that the video technology is there to help solve big incidents.

Halsey said: “I think VAR has hindered decision-making with referees on the field of play. I think they're relying on VAR. If they're not sure, they won't give a red card and then hopefully VAR will bail them out. But I think with Michael, listen, look, he is one of our best referees. As I keep saying, form is temporary, class is permanent. And players go through it as well when they lose confidence in their performances.

“So, listen, I think Michael's going through a bit of a bad patch at the moment. And what we've got to remember is he's refereeing week in, week out. And not only in England, he's going abroad to do it refereeing Champions League, Europa League. So, you know, the fatigue that comes into it.

“I was watching the game live, obviously, and as soon as that incident happened, I thought, that's it, that's the red card for me. He's going for a serious foul play. So, I was amazed. And I think it's down to confidence, I think, in Michael's ability to refer in at the moment. Listen, he is a fantastic referee, but he's going through a bit of a different patch at the present.”