In a world full of superstar players and megabucks transfers, it’s very easy to forget about the man in the middle.
But, one referee appears to be able to grab the limelight above all other pretenders and today was no different in the world of Mike Dean. Sure, he puts on his pants one leg at a time like the rest of us mere mortals, but his gift for controversy is a at a level the common man can only dream of.
He reached peak Mike Dean today, finding 10 minutes to add on to the end of the early Premier League game as Bournemouth bravely held onto a 1-1 draw against powerhouses Manchester City.
Net some great football punts at PaddyPower.comMike Dean thinking that he's going to have to do something pretty spectacular to be the centre of attention today.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) August 26, 2017
You would think, Raheem Sterling’s 97th minute winner would have been enough to steal the headlines; Dean was having none of it though, sending off the England international for excessive celebration.
While technically correct because he ran into the away fans, the second yellow made Sterling the first player to be sent off for celebrating since West Ham’s Frédéric Piquionne (remember him?) all the way back in 2011.
Needless to say, pundits, ex-players and fans alike we’re fuming Dean’s decision to whip out the red.
Don't give me 'it's the law' nonsense. Mike Dean has clearly never experienced scoring the winning goal! #BOUMCI
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) August 26, 2017
He knows how to score a winning goal alright! pic.twitter.com/bgUKqSGvXW
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) August 26, 2017
Can't celebrate a goal now. Absolute joke sending @sterling7 off. Have 2 say now Im not playing but mike dean is the worst. #arragant
— Bobby Zamora (@RobertZamora25) August 26, 2017
Brilliant character again by @ManCity Mike Dean at his horrendous best again #allaboutme
— Paul Dickov (@OfficialPDickov) August 26, 2017
The Mike Dean Show, starring Mike Dean, with very special guest, Mike Dean.
— Detroit MCFC (@DetroitMCFC) August 26, 2017
>Mike Dean is useless !
— Rodney Marsh (@RodneyMarsh10) August 26, 2017
Mike Dean making it all about Mike Dean again @premierleague
— Ant 'Yank' McKenna (@AntMack76) August 26, 2017
One is a man who likes the sound of his own voice and wants to be the centre of attention. The other is Conor McGregor. pic.twitter.com/HGmmWQPuBm
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) August 26, 2017
What is Jasper Carrot doing referring anyway??
— Jim Jarowski (@JimJarowski) August 26, 2017
Mike Dean has front AND rear dashcams
— Matt Massarella-Gill (@3788MG) August 26, 2017
That's the thing with Mike Dean. You think he's done and then he pops up in the 9th minute of injury time. That's why he's the best.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) August 26, 2017
We did warn you it was coming!
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