Why PL Referee Michael Oliver was flown to Saudi Arabia to officiate the epic clash between Ighalo, Ronaldo

Unknown to many, Premier League official, Michael Oliver was the centre referee when Odion Ighalo's Al-Hilal beat Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr in the epic Saudi Pro League fixture on Tuesday, April 18.

The 38-year-old top EPL official was granted permission to make a trip to Saudi Arabia to take charge of the fixture which saw Al-Hilal triumph by two goals to nil against Al-Nassr with both goals coming from Nigeria's Odion Ighalo.

He booked Ronaldo for a foul many have described as a WWE-inspired move.

Howard Webb, who is the PGMOL chief, has expressed his delight to accept requests for EPL referees to officiate matches in foreign associations as he believes it inures to the benefit of the referees, Daily Mail reports.

Oliver, who was not scheduled for Champions League action in midweek earned twice his Premier League salary with a £3000 fee for officiating that single game.

He will return to Premier League action on Saturday, April 22 to officiate Liverpool's clash with Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

WDN