Mike Dean comments are scandalous and Premier League needs to investigate - Analysis by Jack Otway
Mike Dean is in the spotlight after the former Premier League referees' confession
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Mike Dean has sparked outrage on social media after admitting to protecting a 'mate' and fellow official.
There have long been question marks over Premier League referees and their decision-making. Virtually every week there's some controversy, one way or another.
Yet Dean's comments have set alarm bells ringing. The 55-year-old, who spent 28 years as a professional official, has now confessed to deliberately protecting his 'mate' Anthony Taylor.
Speaking to the Up Front podcast, the former ref revealed he spotted an infringement during a match between Tottenham and Chelsea last season.
Mike Dean spotted a foul during a match between Chelsea and Tottenham
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Christian Romero pulled Blues defender Marc Cucurella by his hair at a corner and a penalty should have been awarded.
The foul wasn't given by Taylor, however. And Dean, who was on VAR duty that day, has now confessed he deliberately stopped his fellow official from going to the screen to look at a replay.
"I missed the stupid hair pull at Chelsea versus Tottenham which was pathetic from my point of view," he said.
"It's one of them were if I had my time again, what would I do? I'd send Anthony to the screen.
"I said to Anthony afterwards: 'I just didn't want to send you to the screen after what has gone on in the game.'
"I didn't want to send him up because he is a mate as well as a referee and I think I didn't want to send him up because I didn't want any more grief than he already had."
He added: "That was a major error. If they don't score from the corner it is not as big an issue.
"I knew full well I would be stood down the week after. I asked to take a bit of time off because it wasn't for me."
And Dean also revealed his VAR role left him 'dreading' matchdays, too.
"I used to get in the car on a Friday and was dreading Saturday. I was thinking, 'I hope nothing happens,'" he added.
"I used to be petrified sitting in the chair."
Fear is only natural. It's no easy job being a Premier League official given the way players, managers and fans can all react to one poor decision.
But to protect a mate? That's unforgivable.
What must Thomas Tuchel be thinking? The German was manager of Chelsea at the time and lost his job at the club mere weeks later.
Perhaps, with three crucial points over Tottenham in the bank, Todd Boehly may have given him longer to prove himself.
It is alarming, however, that Dean allowed a personal relationship to cloud his judgement.
And if the 55-year-old is doing it, and thinking that way, it's certainly feasible that others are as well.
The Premier League has been plagued by error after error over the years.
And even with VAR in place, controversy remains on a frequent basis. There's always a talking point, always a scandal.
The Premier League now needs to investigate their officials, however. If they're protecting one another, teams are missing out on justice and accurate decision-making.
Dean's comments will do nothing to help the reputation of officials in this country.
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Former Premier League referee Mike Dean admitted to protecting 'mate' Anthony Taylor
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In an industry as ruthless as football, it's time for the bigwigs to stop this farce once and for all.