It is revealed today that Mike Dean has been removed as a fourth official for the Premier League meeting of Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea on Wednesday.
The decision comes following a confrontation he had Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino at the end of his side’s surprising defeat to Burnley at the weekend.
Dean allegedly said something while the Tottenham manager’s back was turned which led him to confront the the referee before pointing his finger in the referee’s face, what Mauricio said however had not been revealed after ‘all those involved refused to disclose what was said when asked to comment by Sky Sports.
Mauricio Pochettino was NOT happy with Mike Dean at full time! ? pic.twitter.com/w0r0FTRUiI
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) 23 February 2019
Following the game, Potchettino said as quoted by talkSPORT: “Sometimes some things happen on the pitch and I’ll keep it on the pitch.
“I said earlier in the week that this would be a difficult game for us – and when you lose the emotions are there.
“But if we need to blame someone, it’s ourselves. First the manager and then the team and everyone.”
The Professional Game Match Officials Board have decided to have Kevin Friend replace Dean with Andre Marriner as referee for this week’s match between Spurs and Chelsea.
The Football Association are also involved as they are understood to be ‘studying the referee’s report of the match, which could result in Pochettino getting charged or receive a touchline ban if he did use abusive or threatening language.
After finding out of Mike Dean getting axed as fourth official for Tottenham’s upcoming clash, fans took to social media to give their reaction, with many amusing comments made on that and the incident itself – find out what they had to say on the next page.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login