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Michael Oliver overwhelmed by support ahead of Premier League return

Michael Oliver during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 11, 2018 in Madrid, Spain.
Image: Michael Oliver will officiate West Ham v Stoke on Monday Night Football

Referee Michael Oliver has been overwhelmed by messages of support from some of the country’s top players, managers and referees ahead of his return to the Premier League.

Oliver, who will officiate as West Ham host Stoke on Monday Night Football, received widespread abuse after awarding a last-minute penalty as Real Madrid knocked Juventus out of the Champions League last week and was criticised by Gianluigi Buffon.

His wife Lucy, a Women's Super League referee, received a series of abusive texts.

Sky Sports News understands UEFA is still studying evidence from the game, before considering any disciplinary action against either team or its players.

 during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 11, 2018 in Madrid, Spain.
Image: Oliver sent Gianluigi Buffon off against Real Madrid

In a statement, UEFA strongly condemned the abuse directed at Oliver and his wife, adding: "We have been in contact with them to offer our support and we trust the relevant authorities to take action against those individuals who have behaved inappropriately both on and off social media."

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of threatening messages being posted on social media. This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and those writing the messages need to be aware that they could be committing a criminal offence.

"Neighbourhood officers are in touch with the victims in this case to offer them support and ensure any further offences are reported to police."

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Sky Sports News understands Oliver's bosses at the PGMOL have been in daily contact to assess if the Ashington-born official needed a break from Premier League duty.

However, Sky Sports News have been told that Oliver is keen to return to action as soon as possible and that it is business as usual.

He was the fourth official for Huddersfield's late win over Watford on Saturday and will take charge of Stoke's trip to the London Stadium on Monday.

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