Arsenal fans are not pleased with the official assigned for Sunday’s North London derby, and his record suggests that we may well see a flurry of cards.
Most pundits have backed Arsenal to win on Sunday, given Tottenham’s poor form going into the game.
Spurs fans will be hoping that the old cliche of form going out of the window in big derbies is true, and they will take some heart from the fact that the Lilywhites have been nearly perfect away from home this season.
Some Arsenal fans on social media think that Tottenham may have the advantage due to the official assigned for the game.
Michael Oliver’s record could give Tottenham the upper hand
Michael Oliver has been named as the referee in charge for Sunday’s derby, and that news does not please Arsenal fans.
According to Transfermarkt, the Gunners are the team that Oliver has shown the most yellow cards and red cards to.
In the 62 matches he has officiated involving Tottenham’s North London rivals, he has handed out 109 yellow cards and eight red cards to Arsenal players.
Some Arsenal fans on social media are up in arms about the announcement
What is Oliver’s record in Spurs matches?
Tottenham players have certainly not been spared from Oliver’s notebooks over the years.
He has taken charge of 52 matches involving Spurs, in which he has handed out 90 yellow cards to Tottenham players and sent off five of them.
Given that North London derbies are always fiercely contested, we can expect plenty of cards for both sides on Sunday.