Mike Dean’s hall of shame
By Jocelyn Taub
Mike Dean has once again become the center of controversy following his rash decision to red card West Ham’s Sofiane Feghouli earlier this week against Manchester United
One of the major talking points this past week has had nothing to do with any teams, players or managers. Instead, referee Mike Dean has taken center stage.
Over his 16-year career as a Premier League ref, Dean has often been a source of frustration for players, managers and fans alike. Whether it’s questionable cards, unwarranted dismissals or odd behavior, Dean seems to crave the spotlight.
The role of a referee is to control the match and enforce the rules of the game. Dean acts as if becoming a part of the match is one of his duties when officiating a contest.
Dean’s recent indiscretion occurred in the 15th minute of a match between West Ham and Manchester United at London Stadium. Hammers midfielder Sofiane Feghouli overran the ball and collided with United defender Phil Jones who was also going for the ball. Most thought that Dean would give Feghouli a stern lecture or at the most issue a yellow card. Instead he produced a red card leaving West Ham to play 75 minutes a man down.
The Football Association has since revoked the red card, but that won’t take away the result of the match which finished 0-2 in favor of the Red Devils.
Of course this wasn’t the first time that Dean has put himself at the center of the proceedings. Here’s a look at just some of Dean’s “highlights” reel.