Classic Mike Dean.
We all know Mike Dean loves to be the centre of attention. His refereeing performances are often more entertaining than the matches he’s in charge of.
Today he ensured what can only be described as a dull encounter between West Brom and Arsenal by spicing up the last few minutes. But the decision attracted some criticism from Arsenal fans.
Mike Dean closing out the year of the Mike Dean with a Mike Dean. Classic Mike Dean. Mike Dean.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) December 31, 2017
As Kieran Gibbs attempted to flick the ball past his former teammate Callum Chambers, it struck Chambers on the arm. However, the Arsenal defender did not have his arms in an unnatural position or away from his body.
Kieran Gibbs didn’t even appeal for the penalty, he just picked up the ball and went to put it down for what would have been the subsequent corner, before Mike Dean interjected.
https://twitter.com/arseblog/status/947532873665597442
How is Mike Dean still a Premier League official?
— Liam (@SmithRoweSZN) December 31, 2017
https://twitter.com/AFCAMDEN/status/947532157936918528
Penalty West Brom. Scandalous decision from Mike Dean.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) December 31, 2017
Some fans in particular are very, very upset.
BREAKING: Mike Dean sneaks in to win the ‘Worst Human Being on Planet Earth in 2017’ award right at the year’s death. Kim Jong Un must be thrilled. #wbavafc
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 31, 2017
“Lack of consistency with refs” not true. Consistently Mike Dean is the biggest bellend on the planet.
— Jack Whitehall (@jackwhitehall) December 31, 2017
Something tells me there will be a lot of discussion on referees tonight on Match of the Day.
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) December 31, 2017
The penalty was converted by Jay Rodriguez to level the scoring in the 89th minute, after Alexis Sanchez had given Arsenal the lead with a deflected set piece off James McClean just 6 minutes prior.
Arsenal will feel hard done by after the end to this match. Only picking up a point gives Tottenham the chance to leapfrog jump above them if they win their game in hand against West Ham. West Brom remain in 19th, but they’re only 3 points behind Crystal Palace in 17th.
