“He can gerrifvck off”- Arsenal Ex star Granit Xhaka slams Michael Oliver after controversial Champions League penalty decision that could determine Arsenal’s faith in the UCL
Granit Xhaka slams Michael Oliver after controversial Champions League penalty decision
Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has criticised Michael Oliver following Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich
Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has criticised English referee Michael Oliver following Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich. Xhaka expressed his frustration over Oliver’s decision to award a controversial penalty, suggesting the referee would not have made the same call in the Premier League.
Bayern Munich took a commanding lead in the first leg of the quarter-final, securing a 3-0 victory at the Allianz Arena. Harry Kane opened the scoring with a superb header in the ninth minute, while Jamal Musiala doubled the advantage after a defensive error from Leverkusen goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
Kane then sealed the win from the penalty spot in the 75th minute after Oliver penalised Edmond Tapsoba for grappling with the England captain in the box.
After consulting VAR, Oliver pointed to the spot, allowing Kane to score his 31st goal of the season. However, Xhaka, who spent seven years in the Premier League with Arsenal, strongly disagreed with the decision.
“In the Premier League, he [Michael Oliver] doesn’t give that,” Xhaka said. “I spent seven years there and know Michael. I’m convinced he wouldn’t whistle it in the Premier League.
“There are so many blocks in the Premier League that today it was nothing. It’s a bit disappointing from him to whistle such a penalty at this level and probably decide the game.
“If you give a penalty for every block, there would be so many penalties every game.”
Xhaka’s criticism of Oliver echoes the frustration Arsenal fans have felt for years regarding his officiating. The English referee has been at the centre of several controversial decisions involving the Gunners, leading to accusations of bias and inconsistent refereeing.
One of the most recent flashpoints came in Arsenal’s Premier League match against Wolves this season when youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a red card. The decision sparked outrage among Arsenal supporters and the football world, who believed it was overly harsh compared to similar challenges in other matches officiated by Oliver.
Arsenal fans have frequently pointed to questionable penalty calls, inconsistencies in red card decisions, and a perceived leniency towards their opponents as reasons for their growing frustration with Oliver’s refereeing.