Premier League ref Michael Oliver caused fury during Borussia Dortmund’s defeat to Ajax last night after an awful decision to send off Mats Hummels.
Oliver is ranked among the ‘best’ referees in the Premier League, hence why he gets the opportunity to officiate games on the continent.
The task at hand for him and his team on Wednesday night was to take charge of a clash between Dortmund and Ajax.
Oliver had an adverse and irreversible effect on the contest within half an hour, having decided to send off Mats Hummels.
You can see the nature of the tackle below, with there being absolutely no explanation as to how this wasn’t overturned via a VAR review.
Needless to say, Michael Oliver hasn’t been painted out particularly well in wake of the game, with Dortmund fans blaming the defeat they suffered on the referee.
Hummels himself came back out post-match and ranted about the decision, quoted by bvbnewsblog, “I have seen footage from the red directly after I have been sent off.”
“I have no idea how this can be a red. I have no idea how a referee on Champions League level decides to give a red for this.”
You can understand his fury, too. Dortmund are now level on points with Sporting CP ahead of matchweek five of the Champions League. They have plenty of work to do.
Hummels will be unavailable for the clash with the Portuguese side unless UEFA decide to throw Oliver under the bus by acknowledging his mistake and overturning the ban.
Oliver is already facing a backlash from angry Dortmund fans, who have taken over what they believe to be his personal Instagram account, posting some quite disgusting comments…
More must-reads: