Mike Dean's Premier League career has often found the experienced referee coming in for criticism and this afternoon's clash between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James' Park will add another page to his ever-expanding book.
Dean rocketed into the limelight when sending off DeAndre Yedlin in the second half after the Magpies defender was adjudged to pull back Diogo Jota and denied him a clear goalscoring opportunity. However, Newcastle fans were incensed at Dean's failure to send off Wily Boly for an elbow on Ayoze Perez and the supporters frustrations were re-iterated by Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez, who couldn't believe the Wolves defender remained on the pitch.
A last minute goal by Matt Doherty handed Wolves a late 2-1 victory in a well-contested clash, but it will be Dean's performance that is sure to come under scrutiny in the coming days, and it will be no surprise to many football fans up and down the country that sees the veteran official come in for criticism.
Staggeringly, Dean was only refereeing in his 12th Premier League match this season, but in that time he has given out an eye-bulging five red cards and also dished out 51 yellow cards.
Topping the yellow and red card charts amongst the elite list of referees, Dean has created a major rod for his own back and while he continues to be handed top-flight matches to officiate on there will be plenty of sides willing him not to be the man in the middle for their games this season.
But, looking at some of the comments from Newcastle fans this afternoon then the Magpies could be top of that list looking to avoid the Mike Dean show!
Mike Dean gets key decisions wrong and costs my team points, I for one am absolutely shocked. [tombellgreen]
Clueless Mike Dean and his officials thinking Perez didn't get elbowed than clearly he needs to retire. People saying VAR is a waste of time but today is proof it was needed completely. #NUFC [shawwal_96]
VAR can’t come quick enough, the referees can’t see everything going on, or in Mike Dean’s case - only sees what he wants. Worst referee in the PL, should have been 2 x red cards. #NEWWOL [schumillewis]
