Michael Oliver dropped from Premier League fixtures ahead of Liverpool vs Man City

Michael Oliver has been omitted from this weekend’s Premier League referee appointments, with Chris Kavanagh selected to officiate Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City on Sunday.

According to This Is Anfield, Oliver’s absence comes after Manchester City’s financial charges verdict renewed scrutiny of his previous refereeing assignment in the United Arab Emirates in 2023.

The 41-year-old officiated a UAE Pro League match involving Sharjah and Al-Ain, but there is no indication that his omission is connected to the controversy. Kavanagh will oversee the 4.30pm kickoff, assisted by Dan Cook and Nick Greenhalgh, while Paul Howard will operate VAR.