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.

AFP

Ref Michael Oliver delighted fans when he was hit by the ball[/caption]

The Gunners boss was hailing a 3-1 home victory that put his side top of the Premier League – at least until Manchester City play on Sunday.

But fans found the timing of Arteta‘s jubilation ironic after his recent blasts at officials, particularly following Newcastle’s 1-0 win.

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 – before 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”.

An even more cynical supporter claimed: “Well deserved, should have put more power behind it.”

And 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 the Gunners ahead in first-half stoppage time with their 1,000th goal at the Emirates.

Josh Brownhill’s shot deflected in off Gabriel for a surprise leveller.

But William Saliba headed in a Trossard corner to restore Arsenal’s lead and Oleksandr Zinchenko rounded off the scoring with a spectacular finish.

The Gunners, however, faced an uncomfortable climax after sub Fabio Vieira saw red on 83 minutes for a studs-up challenge on Brownhill. ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours from the Emirates