Michael Oliver Premier League decision made as statement released amid Arsenal controversies

The Premier League have confirmed that Michael Oliver will not referee in the competition for the second consecutive weekend.

Despite being considered one of England's leading officials, with that public view evidenced by 's announcement confirming that he and Anthony Taylor will be two of 35 referees to take charge of games at this summer's inaugural Club World Cup, he has endured a controversial campaign.

may take a dim view to that decision as well, with the Gunners having been on the receiving end of some harsh decisions made by him this season.

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The first of those came in the thrilling 2-2 draw against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium back in September where he controversially sent off Leandro Trossard for delaying the restart.

Arteta was far from pleased by both decisions with his comments after the Man City game showcasing his disapproval by referencing another similar incident.

"It's already the second time it has happened in five games, which is really, really worrying if we want to see the best Premier League,"

"Anyone that has played football or any sport [can see] it's less than a second. Less than a second. The previous one [Doku] is more than a second. That's it, simple."

On Lewis-Skelly's sending off, he said: "I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you. Because it is that obvious, I don't think my words are going to help."

In the wake of that second red card, which was overturned, Oliver was taken off the return fixture between Arsenal and City at Emirates Stadium and he has since officiated just six Premier League games since, with that tally set to remain the same heading into May.

That is because Oliver has not been selected to referee in England's top-flight this weekend, as confirmed by the posted on Monday.

Given the fact there are only eight games scheduled, It is possible he will be at Wembley on either Saturday or Sunday, with the two FA Cup semi-finals taking place.

However, with the details for that not officially confirmed yet, it is possible he has another free weekend or is even refereeing a Championship game especially after his last outing in the FA Cup.

Despite it seeming quite clear that Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts had kicked Jean-Phillipe Mateta in the head, VAR was needed to send him off for dangerous play on the Crystal Palace striker.