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Premier League Ref Oliver fired

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Michael Oliver, the Premier League referee at the center of controversy after the Merseyside derby, has been banned from officiating.

His ban covers two clubs, Newcastle and Sunderland.

The decision, made by the Premier League, is due to Oliver’s allegiance to Newcastle United.

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Oliver, 39, has been a Premier League referee since 2010 and has officiated numerous high-profile matches.

However, his performance in the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool triggered rife condemnation.

The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Everton’s James Tarkowski scoring a dramatic equalizer in injury time.

Oliver’s decisions during the match, including the awarding of a free-kick prior to Everton’s first goal and the non-award of a foul on Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, have been questioned by many.

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The referee also sent off Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff after the final whistle, as well as Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure.

The Premier League has confirmed that Oliver will not officiate any matches involving Newcastle United or Sunderland, due to his allegiance to the Magpies.

This decision is in line with the Premier League’s rules on referee impartiality.

Oliver will be on VAR duty for Brighton’s Premier League clash against Chelsea on Monday night, and will also be involved in Aston Villa’s match against Ipswich Town on Saturday.

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The FA is currently reviewing the incidents that occurred during the Merseyside derby, and may take further action against Slot and other individuals involved.

About Michael Oliver

Born on February 20, 1985, in Ashington, Northumberland, his father, Clive Oliver, a former Football League referee, introduced him to refereeing at the age of 14.

Oliver holds multiple records, including becoming the youngest Football League assistant referee, youngest Football League referee, and youngest fourth official in the Premier League.

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He made his Premier League debut at 25 years and 182 days old, officiating the match between Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers on August 21, 2010.

Oliver has refereed several high-profile matches, including the 2014 FA Community Shield, 2018 UEFA Champions League quarter-final, and the 2021 FA Cup Final.

He was appointed to the FIFA list in 2012 and has officiated in various international competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Oliver’s achievements have earned him recognition as one of the best referees in Premier League history. He is married to Lucy Oliver, a female football referee, and they have two children.

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‘He was our bread winner’: Dad laments 28-Year-Old Lieutenant Killed in Oyo School Rescue Mission

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The family of Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, the 28-year-old Nigerian Army officer killed during the operation that rescued abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State, has expressed deep grief, describing his death as a painful loss to both the family and the nation.

Lt. Isaac lost his life while leading troops during the military operation that secured the release of dozens of abducted teachers and schoolchildren from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.

His father, Mr. Isaac Alabura, a retired Master Warrant Officer, said the family was still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

Speaking to Daily Trust at his residence in Bachure Quarters, Yola, Adamawa State, Alabura described his late son as “the hope of the family and the community.”

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After 56 Days in Captivity, Oriire Parents Scared of Sending Rescued Kids Back to School

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Parents of pupils kidnapped from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have expressed deep fears about returning their children to the classrooms, saying the traumatic experience of spending 56 days in captivity has left families unwilling to take further risks despite the successful rescue of the victims.

The pupils were among 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers, including a school principal, kidnapped when heavily armed terrorists attacked three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities on May 15, 2026. Two teachers were killed during the incident, while the survivors were taken into forests around the Old Oyo National Park before security forces rescued them on July 10 after an intensive multi-agency operation.

Speaking after the victims regained their freedom, some parents said although they remain grateful to God, the Federal Government and security agencies for the rescue, the emotional scars left by the ordeal have made an immediate return to school difficult.

One parent said the fear among families remains overwhelming, stressing that parents must first be convinced the schools are secure before allowing their children to resume classes. Another relative, Basirat Adigun, noted that no parent wants to expose a child to another similar experience, insisting that visible and effective security measures must be put in place around the affected schools and communities.

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Gunmen Kidnap 60-Year-Old Headmaster In Oyo, Demand N30m Ransom

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A 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, popularly called “Onaiye”, has reportedly been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen.

It was gathered that the incident happened on Saturday evening, July 11, 2026, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

According to his son, Mr. Abiola Owoade, the headmaster was on his way back from his farm when he was stopped and taken away by armed men.

Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers allegedly called the family with the victim’s phone and demanded Thirty Million Naira (N30,000,000) for his release.

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At about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, a search team found the victim’s motorcycle abandoned in a bush.

Members of the family, colleagues, and the entire education community in Itesiwaju LGA have expressed sadness over the incident. They have called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies to act fast to secure Mr. Kolawale’s immediate and unconditional release.

The public has also been urged to provide any information that could help ensure his safe return.

Confirming the incident, the Oyo State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said: “I can confirm to you that a farmer Mr. Owoade Mathew was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare and efforts are on to rescue the man unhurt and perpetrator arrested.”

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