Ex-refs chief: UEFA 'won't get wrapped up' in Michael Oliver error in Man City-Liverpool
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Credit: Imago / TNT Sports Mon 6 April 2026 15:30, UK Michael Oliver was never going to be punished by UEFA after a disappointing refereeing display in Manchester City versus Liverpool.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the referee has earned his appointment to officiate Real Madrid’s clash with Bayern Munich.PGMOL officials have often been under pressure in the Premier League this season, and both sets of supporters at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 4 April, were left frustrated.During Man City’s 4-0 win against Liverpool, Pep Guardiola, watching from the stands, was baffled when Rayan Cherki wasn’t awarded a penalty against Milos Kerkez, one of Oliver’s poor decisions. ⚽ Man City Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, tactical previews and expert breakdowns for every Manchester City fixture. VISIT THE MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Michael Oliver appointed to Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich after FA Cup blunderSpeaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “There are two businesses here.
There’s the PGMOL, which includes the FA, but UEFA is a separate entity, and Michael Oliver is heading for the World Cup. “They make their decisions based on how the referees perform in the Champions League or any other European competitions.Man CityStatsLiverpool49%Possession51%2.44xG1.464Big chances20Big chances missed215Fouls committed105Keeper saves3“Oliver made a mistake, in my opinion, but he’s rated highly in Europe.
That’s why he’s officiating a top-class match. It’s an outstanding appointment for him.” What else did the referee get wrong in FA Cup thrashing?It was not the referee’s best performance by a long shot, with both Man City and Liverpool fans making their feelings known on Oliver, who will next feature in Europe.One rather unusual incident was when Antoine Semenyo escaped giving away a free-kick for handball, despite the attacker catching the ball before it had gone out for a throw-in.He also got in the way to deny the Citizens a fifth on the day, blocking Bernardo Silva, who had Omar Marmoush running ahead of him, before Arne Slot’s side had a chance of their own.