Mike Dean is set to referee a Newcastle United game for the first time in 2022.
The Magpies take on Brentford this weekend, looking to extend their unbeaten run to seven games. Eddie Howe’s side are now four points clear of the relegation zone, and haven’t tasted defeat since December 19th against Manchester City.
At that time, Toon fans were enraged by decision after decision going against them. A catalogue of refereeing errors were hurting the Magpies, who at the time looked somewhat destined for relegation.
In the defeat to Man City, a blatant penalty on Ryan Fraser was missed by the referee and VAR. And in the game prior, Mike Dean was at the centre of more controversy for Newcastle.
Newcastle fans did not enjoy their last encounter with Mike Dean
The Toon went to Anfield on December 16th, with a horrible run of fixtures looking to end Howe’s honeymoon period at Newcastle.
Despite going a goal up thanks to Jonjo Shelvey, Liverpool would go on to win 3-1 thanks to some help from the man in the middle.
Liverpool’s equaliser never should’ve stood – Isaac Hayden was down in the penalty area with a head injury. But Dean waved play on, and Diogo Jota drew Jurgen Klopp’s side level.
There was then a very strong shout for a Toon penalty, but it was denied by Dean. He then capped off a shocking display by expertly getting in Martin Dubravka’s line of sight as Trent Alexander-Arnold thundered home Liverpool’s third.
It was the Mike Dean Show once again, and Newcastle were the victims.
Hopefully he isn’t the centre of attention on Saturday; a win would move us above Brentford and even closer to Premier League survival.
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