Michael Oliver probably won’t be welcome in Italy any time soon.The English official ruined Juventus’ dreams of winning the Champions League when, in Wednesday’s semi-final clash against Real Madrid, he awarded the Spanish giants a penalty and sent Gianluigi Buffon off in the dying moments of the match.Buffon received a straight red card after he went berserk at Oliver. The legendary goalkeeper wasn’t done there, though, continuing to criticise the referee after the match."The team gave its all, but a human being cannot destroy dreams like that at the end of an extraordinary comeback on a dubious situation,” the 40-year-old said, per BBC Sport."Clearly you cannot have a heart in your chest, but a bag of rubbish. On top of that, if you don't have the character to walk on a pitch like this in a stadium like this, you can sit in the stands with your wife, your kids, having your drink and eating crisps."If you can't handle the pressure and have the courage to make a decision, then you should just sit in the stands and eat your crisps."Emotions were running high at the Santiago Bernabeu, even more so when Juventus staged a remarkable comeback from 3-0 down.

Abuse aimed at Oliver

But the aftermath of the incident has been nothing short of ugly, with Oliver now facing abuse from Juventus supporters.

It’s not just the Premier League referee who has had to deal with a barrage of negative comments. BBC Sport journalist Jacqui Oatley shared some of the nasty tweets that his wife, Lucy Oliver, has received in recent days.

It’s saddening to read. Lucy has become the victim of a situation entirely out of her hands.

Lineker reacts to abuse

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has seen the abuse and he wants Buffon to help put a stop to it.

“These vituperous attacks on Michael Oliver and his wife are repugnant,” Lineker wrote on Twitter.

“Big admirer of Buffon but his behaviour since has been inflammatory and out of order.

“Oliver was doing his job and hard to argue against his decisions. Understand the emotion but time to defuse it, Gianluigi.”

Lineker’s right. Buffon, whose reaction to the penalty decision helped to spark the fury within the supporters, should acknowledge that the abuse is completely unfair and has to end.