Premier League official Mike Dean has been confirmed as referee for Newcastle’s upcoming clash with Brighton, and Toon fans have been quick to mock the appointment.
The referee has already took charge of two Newcastle matches this season, both of which were filled with controversy.
Newcastle fans weren’t happy with either of Dean’s performances, and are expecting a similar display on Saturday.
Against Wolves in December, Dean sent off DeAndre Yedlin for a soft foul on Diogo Jota.
But the ref failed to spot a far worse offence from Wily Boly, who performed an obvious elbow on Ayoze Perez.
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And it was a similar story against Bournemouth in March.
The referee waived away Newcastle appeals for a penalty after Yedlin was blatantly pulled down in the box early on.
But he didn’t hesitate to award a far softer spot-kick the other way later in the match.
Federico Fernandez was adjudged to have unlawfully brought down Nathan Ake, despite the challenge being a mere tussle in the box during a corner.
These decisions had drastic effects on the final score for both games, which ended in a loss and a draw.
Unsurprisingly, some Newcastle fans now believe that decisions are never going to go their way when Dean is in charge.
But whereas his past appointments have been met with anger, Newcastle’s current position of safety has helped Toon fans see the funny side this time around.
When he’s not refereeing someone else’s team, Dean is often seen as a figure of fun whose antics have to be seen to be believed.
He’s brandished more red cards than any other referee this season, and has a penchant for theatrical and bizarre gestures.
Newcastle fans have been quick to quip he’ll be the star of the show on Saturday, but nervy Brighton fans are likely not amused.
Newcastle fans react to Mike Dean appointment
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