Premier League referee Michael Oliver faces permanent restrictions on officiating matches involving Newcastle United and Sunderland. League regulations mandate this ban to preserve referee neutrality and integrity.

The 40-year-old official is a lifelong Newcastle supporter. He also played for the club’s youth team. These connections prohibit him from handling any Newcastle fixture. The ban extends to their arch-rivals Sunderland.

Referee Allegiance Rules Explained

Oliver previously clarified the regulations: “We declare club allegiances and family connections. You can’t officiate matches involving that team.” He added Sunderland exclusion stems from “obvious reasons.”

The prohibition extends to critical scenarios. Oliver noted: “If Newcastle needed survival points against a rival, I couldn’t referee that game either.” Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett confirmed referees undergo seasonal background audits.

Liverpool VAR Controversy Reignites Scrutiny

As VAR official in a recent match, Oliver upheld the disallowance of Virgil van Dijk’s header. The decision cited Andy Robertson’s offside position and alleged interference.

The Premier League defended the call. They stated Robertson was “making an obvious action directly in front of the goalkeeper.” Broadcast footage showed Robertson turning away from the ball.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot criticised the decision post-match: “The wrong call was obvious. Robertson didn’t interfere with the goalkeeper.” Liverpool subsequently lost 3-0.

This incident follows Oliver’s controversial decisions in a 2025 Everton draw. That match saw Slot and his assistant dismissed. Combined with his club-specific ban, these events have intensified debate about officiating standards.

The controversy adds pressure on Premier League refereeing. Growing calls demand clearer VAR guidelines and increased transparency following inconsistent decisions.