Pundit makes 'corrupt' claim in referee defence after controversial red card in Wolves clash
A Sky Sports pundit believes referees are being seen as 'corrupt' if they make a mistake or a bad decision in the Premier League.
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Michael Oliver has been in the spotlight over the weekend after a red card decision in Wolves' clash with Arsenal led to a barrage of social media abuse.
Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly became the third youngest player to be dismissed in Premier League history when he was shown a straight red card by Oliver in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Wolves for taking down Matt Doherty in his own half.
Saturday’s decision was met with disbelief by pundits, with Alan Shearer calling it “one of the worst decisions that I’ve seen in a long time”.
Following the decision, Oliver was met by threats and abuse, and on Sunday it was confirmed that police had been made aware and a number of investigations had commenced.
Despite criticism from some pundits, Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp leapt to the defence of Oliver, insisting everyone makes mistakes and the decision will be overturned.
He also insisted that the game is getting to the point where referees are being labelled as corrupt if they make an incorrect decision.
He said: "It's absolutely disgraceful.
"I think it is getting to the point with refs where, if you are right then you are right, if you are wrong, you are corrupt.
"If we get to that point then no young referees will want to stay in the game.
"It is disgraceful behaviour. Michael Oliver is by far and away the best ref we have got, it is not even close.
"Do I think it is a red? No.
"I think it was a calculated challenge and it will get overturned. If Michael had a bit more time he would have given a yellow.
"But it is unacceptable, everyone makes mistakes, you can count on one hand ones he has made in his career, he is a phenomenal ref.
"Every match he referees with integrity and if I played one more game, I would want him as the ref.
"It is disgraceful. Whoever has given this abuse I hope they get found out. On social media we see cowards, nameless people and it is not acceptable."
Lewis-Skelly, 18, became the third youngest player to be dismissed in Premier League history when he was shown a straight red card by Oliver in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Wolves for taking down Matt Doherty in his own half.
