Graham Roberts wants Michael Oliver dropped, as Tottenham face Arsenal

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Graham Roberts has reacted to Michael Oliver’s VAR decision on Twitter by ordering the Premier League to drop the man in the middle – with Oliver set to officiate Tottenham’s derby with Arsenal on Sunday.

Oliver was in control at Stockley Park during Tottenham’s 0-0 draw with Bournemouth on Thursday night, deciding not to award a penalty to Spurs despite replays showing Harry Kane was pushed by Josh King from a corner.

It came just days after Oliver was in control at Stockley Park during Tottenham’s 3-1 defeat to Sheffield United – in which Lucas Moura was adjudged to have handled the ball before Kane scored an equaliser.

Now, Oliver has been pencilled in to officiate the north London derby on Sunday afternoon with both north London clubs pushing to finish in the European places – but Roberts thinks Oliver should be dropped.

TBR’s view – Should Oliver be relieved of his duties temporarily?

There is no doubt that Oliver is one of the better officials in the Premier League. But his VAR decisions against Sheffield United was clearly abhorrent, and then the decision to ignore Kane’s claims was astounding.

Even Roy Keane claimed he was “amazed” that Spurs had not been given a spot kick. It has seriously affected Spurs’ chances of finishing in Europe, costing Jose Mourinho’s side a lot of prize money. He should be axed.