Referee Michael Oliver has been dropped from Premier League fixtures after controversial FA Cup decision Michael Oliver, the referee at the center of a controversy in the FA Cup match between Crystal Palace and Millwall, has been dropped from this weekend's Premier League fixtures. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports Oliver's decision not to initially show a red card to Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts, who kicked Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in the head, sparked widespread criticism. Mateta required 25 stitches to his head after the incident. Although Oliver eventually showed Roberts a red card after a VAR review, his initial hesitation has led to him being omitted from this weekend's Premier League referee appointments. He will also not act as a fourth official or VAR. However, Oliver will still referee the Champions League clash between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) stated that "referee rotation is normal" and that it is "more noticeable" when high-profile referees are involved. Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan criticized Roberts' challenge, describing it as "diabolical" and "cowardly." Jordan questioned whether Roberts had a duty of care to fellow professionals, adding that the challenge had potentially ruined the game for Millwall.