• Premier League referee was in crowd as his wife, Lucy, was officiating • An assistant referee was unable to continue so replacement was needed

Michael Oliver pulled from crowd to act as linesman in Arsenal Ladies match

Michael Oliver was thrust in to the spotlight on Thursday night when attending Arsenal Ladies’ game against Reading. The Premier League referee was just a member of the crowd at Meadow Park, which his wife Lucy was refereeing, when a call came over the tannoy for any qualified assistant referees after one of the officials was unable to take their place on the touchline.

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As the second half started eagle eyed supporters spotted the referee, last seen in charge of Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Monday, running the line as the North London club’s ladies team did what the men were incapable of and secured a 2-1 victory.

Jacqui Oatley (@JacquiOatley) Family affair at @ArsenalLadies tonight. PL ref Michael Oliver stepped in from crowd to run line after asst injured, wife Lucy is the ref!

Casey Stoney scored the first goal, with Vicky Losada adding a second in the 63rd minute to secure the points. Reading did manage a consolation in the dying moments of the game, with Nicola Watts grabbing goal.

Tim Stillman (@Stillberto) Michael Oliver is in the crowd tonight. Weird to see him in civilian clothing somehow.....

Tim Stillman (@Stillberto) Fucking hell. There has legit been a call the tannoy for a qualified assistant ref to report to the tunnel.