Refereeing couple subject to awful threats after Arsenal’s loss to Leicester

Michael Oliver sent off Arsenal's Maitland-Niles during the Premier League clash against Leicester [Courtesy]

Michael Oliver and wife Lucy were subjected to vile threats after Arsenal's defeat to Leicester.

The Premier League referee took charge of Arsenal's clash at the King Power on Sunday as the Gunners were beaten 3-0.

During the clash, Oliver dismissed Ainsley Maitland-Niles for two yellow cards although replays showed the Arsenal youngster was unfortunate.

Oliver's wife Lucy is also a referee and she was officiating Arsenal Women in their title-clinching clash with Brighton on Sunday.

Lucy officiated Arsenal women's match [Courtesy]

BBC broadcaster Jacqui Oatley tweeted to show the shocking abuse sent to Ms Oliver following Arsenal's loss at Leicester.

She posted: "Michael Oliver refereed Arsenal men (lost 3-0), while wife Lucy Oliver refereed Arsenal Women (won 4-0 and the title).

"Both did their jobs with utmost integrity as ever. Lucy was sent this vile tweet afterwards."

Oatley called on Twitter to take action over the abuse after an apparent Arsenal fan claimed "Michael Oliver deserves to be shot in the head".

The tweet added: "Michael and Lucy Oliver deserve nothing but the worst. Karma will catch up with these two disgraceful cheating c****."

Another Twitter user sent shocking sexist abuse towards Oatley after reporting the post.

A reply to her tweet read: "F*** off you s***. Get back to the kitchen. Women's football aint s***."

Speaking after the clash, Arsenal boss Unai Emery suggested Maitland-Niles shouldn't have been dismissed.

“For me the first yellow card for [Maitland-Niles] is not for me, it has affected our game plan a lot. One player less is difficult," he said.

“Today the condition [for losing] is the red card."

Arsenal remain in fifth in the Premier League table after their third defeat on the spin.