The PGMOL, the body that oversees officiating in English soccer, says it is “appalled” by the “threats and abuse” aimed at referee Michael Oliver after his controversial decision to show a red card to an Arsenal player on Saturday.

English soccer’s match officials body says police are investigating “abhorrent attacks” aimed at Premier League referee Michael Oliver and his family following the match between Wolverhampton and Arsenal.

Referee Michael Oliver has been a regular fixture in the Premier League for more than a decade, and has now been at the centre of a major controversy involving Arsenal

Martin Odegaard misses out for Arsenal against Wolves due to illness, while Mikel Merino is also absent with a knock. The second-place Gunners face a must-win game in the Premier League title race at Molineux on Saturday afternoon without their influential captain,

Arsenal has been dealt two big blows as it tries to make up some ground on Liverpool, with Martin Odegaard among two notable absentees against Wolves.