Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot was sent off against Liverpool for dissent.
The Portuguese right back received two yellow cards within seconds of each other late in the 0-0 draw.
While the Red Devils were pleased to hold out for a draw, losing Dalot to suspension may cost them in coming games.
The referee took exception to Dalot's response to his first yellow, even though Darwin Nunez of Liverpool did not receive a yellow for dissent in the first half.
United legend Gary Neville told Sky Sports: "That first shout, yes, it's a booking fair enough. It all feels like it's the same thing to me, Michael Oliver has created something there that he doesn't need to.
"The first booking is absolutely fine, it's an aggressive reaction and he should be booked for that but it's all the same motion. He's been sent off I've never seen that before but it is what it is."
"For me, Michael Oliver is the best referee in the Premier League but it's a strange one, he could have handled it differently," Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher agreed and added.
"I think just go over to him, have a stern word with him, I don't think he needed to do that."