Watch moment ref Michael Oliver gets smacked in face at full-time at Arsenal as fans call it ‘highlight of the game’
REFEREE Michael Oliver delivered the “highlight of the game” for keen-eyed Arsenal fans – by getting smashed in the face on the final whistle against Burnley.
Oliver was sent reeling by the match-ball as he blew up – with viewers especially amused that cameras immediately cut off to images of Mikel Arteta celebrating.
The Spanish manager was hailing a 3-1 victory at the Emirates that put his Gunners side top of the Premier League – at least until Manchester City play on Sunday.
But fans pounced on the irony of the footage after Arteta‘s recent blasts at officials – particularly following Newcastle’s 1-0 win the previous weekend.
Off-guard Oliver was on the centre circle when a ball headed by a Burnley player hit him on the head.
The experienced whistler was rocked sideways – while coverage promptly switched to Arteta raising his arms in triumph by the dugout.
One fan described Oliver’s misfortune as “the highlight of the game for me personally”.
And an even more cynical supporter claimed: “Well deserved, should have put more power behind it.”
A third added: “The Arteta celebration at the end makes it’s beautiful.”
The incident capped a dramatic finale to a tough victory for Arsenal.
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Leandro Trossard nodded Arsenal in front during first-half stoppage time with their 1,000th goal at the Emirates.
Brownhil’s shot deflected in off Gabriel for a surprise leveller.
But William Saliba headed in a Trossard corner and Oleksandr Zinchenko doubled the margin with a spectacular finish.
But the Gunners creaked a little once home sub Fabio Vieira saw red on 83 minutes for a studs-up challenge on Josh Brownhill.
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