UEFA back Oliver over fan threats
UeFA have condemned abuse directed at referee Michael oliver and his wife as disciplinary chiefs decide whether to charge veteran Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon for provoking trouble.
oliver enraged Juventus fans when he awarded Real Madrid a decisive penalty at the end of last week’s Champions League quarter-final in Spain.
Buffon was sent off for his angry reaction and then directed insults at the english referee when speaking after the match.
Police are investigating reports of disturbances and verbal abuse at the home of oliver and his wife Lucy, a women’s Super League referee, along with threats made against the couple by Juventus supporters on social media.
There were also abusive texts sent directly to Lucy’s phone after her number was posted online. The number has since been deactivated. ‘UeFA strongly condemns the abuse directed at Michael oliver and his wife,’ said a spokesman.
‘we have offered our support and trust the authorities to take action against those who have behaved inappropriately on and off social media.’
UeFA’s disciplinary investigation should be completed this week. Buffon, 40, will receive an automatic one-match ban for his red card but further charges for his behaviour and comments after his dismissal could bring an extended suspension.
northumbria Police have offered support to the olivers.
MAINZ and Freiburg players were ordered back on to the pitch in Germany last night after going to the changing rooms for half-time — because of a delayed VAR decision.
The half-time whistle had gone but the video referee then awarded a penalty for handball, despite both teams having gone down the tunnel.
The referee brought the sides back out so Mainz’s Pablo de Blasis could take the spot-kick, which he scored. De Blasis added another goal in the second half as Mainz won 2-0.