Liverpool fans may fear the worst over referee appointment for Bournemouth clash
Liverpool have been handed a referee appointment that may concern some supporters ahead of their Premier League trip to Bournemouth next weekend.
Michael Oliver has been appointed as the referee for the clash at the Vitality Stadium. Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring will serve as assistant referees, while Simon Hooper is the fourth official. Craig Pawson will oversee VAR, assisted by Lee Betts.
Oliver’s appointment is likely to attract attention because Liverpool have had several controversial incidents involving the experienced official and his VAR team in recent seasons.
The Reds’ recent record with Oliver in charge is also not particularly impressive, with Liverpool winning only one of their last seven matches refereed by him. Their defeats during that run include matches against Manchester United and Manchester City.
The referee was also involved in the controversial Merseyside derby at Goodison Park in February 2025, when Liverpool had major complaints over decisions during the match and Arne Slot was sent off after the final whistle.
More recently, Oliver refereed the Manchester derby, where VAR controversially overturned an offside decision for Erling Haaland’s winning goal. Pro Ref subsequently acknowledged that the VAR officials had made an error.
Liverpool will therefore hope the referee does not become the main talking point when they face Bournemouth.
