Paul Parker Issues Michael Oliver Verdict Amid Recent Controversy
Last Updated on December 19, 2023
By Jacob Potter 
Manchester United picked up a morale-boosting point from their clash against Liverpool at Anfield, which is something that the club’s supporters will be keen to see their side build on heading towards the New Year.
The Red Devils defended for the majority of the game, and faced an eye-opening 34 shots in the match, which is the most they’ve faced in one Premier League game this season.
However, that wasn’t the main talking point in the match, as Diogo Dalot was sent-off late on for an argument with referee Michael Oliver.
In an exclusive interview with MyBettingSites, former Manchester United man Paul Parker reacted to the incident, and evidently wasn’t best pleased with the referee.
‘Disgraceful’
“Dalot did go a bit over the top and he does get a bit emotional. That’s just him as a person, and I don’t think he is a nasty person or anything, he is just very emotional.
“Michael Oliver acted very arrogant. The players were not able to talk to him or even look at him. There was no debate and he was not asking his assistant. He couldn’t get Dalot out quick enough.
“I think it was disgraceful to be honest. He had a decent game overall but he came across as very arrogant.
“He went far too far. He had his own agenda going on. We have to remember that he is human, but what he did was not okay and he let himself down.
“I think the FA has to do something about it. It was totally wrong. The referees protect each other like a doctor would support his colleague. He should apologise, without a doubt. He would get a bit of respect if he apologised for that silly decision.
Parker Makes Bruno Fernandes Claim
Parker then went on to issue his thoughts on his former team’s performance at Anfield, and labelled it as ‘very disciplined’, which is something that plenty of the Old Trafford faithful will agree with.
“The draw against Liverpool does give me a bit of hope for the future. It gives everyone a bit of belief in the manager. He knows what he is doing and he is just trying to work with what he has available.
“Manchester United looked very disciplined against Liverpool and they didn’t create a single big chance.“
Bruno Fernandes was suspended for the match against Liverpool, and Parker felt as though the midfielder’s absence was an advantage to the Red Devils as they shared the spoils with Jurgen Klopp’s side.
“I think it was an advantage for Man United that Bruno Fernandes was suspended because he would have been too undisciplined.
“He would have tried to do things on his own and the crowd would have gone to him, without a doubt. The team could have lost their discipline with him in the team.
“I’m not saying that the manager should drop Bruno Fernandes in the future but it gives the club an idea of how they can play without him, which might be useful in games where Man United aren’t expected to have the ball that much.
“It could be a good idea to try it out against some of the big teams when Man United are playing away, but the problem is that Erik ten Hag would have a hard time putting him on the bench for a big match.
“He would let everyone know how unhappy he is. He is not that type of person that would accept to be dropped. He is a liability but on the other hand he is the major creative force.”
Manchester United are set to return to action this weekend, as they take on West Ham United, in what is likely to be a tricky test. Erik ten Hag’s side are priced at 163/100 on bet365 to win the match, and be sure to use the bet365 bonus code when signing up with this popular betting site, as they have a strong sign-up offer which includes free bets.
