Mike Dean is the referee that sends chills down players spinals and managers in equal numbers whenever he’s officiating a match, he has fallen out with them innumerable times.
The sound of the whistle sends fear to a player when they commit a mistake regardless of how big or small it might seem, he put his record yesternight during the match between Manchester United and Wolves
Referee Mike Dean etched his name in the record books by becoming the first referee to show 100 red cards in the Premier League.
There was no display of extravagance, and no celebration
The 50-year-old had been stuck on 99 marching orders for three months, having last brandished red in Burnley’s 2-1 win at Huddersfield when he sent two men off.
But, 18 years after his first Premier League dismissal (Nolberto Solano of Newcastle, in case you were interested), “Mike Dean from the Wirral” has finally brought up the ton.
Here is a look at his landmark moment, the numbers behind the century and the reaction across social media…
What England club managers have said about him before
While there was playful celebration of Dean’s landmark on social media, some managers have not been so kind about the whistle-blower in the past.
“You know what you are” Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, after Tottenham’s loss at Burnley in February.
Pochettino was given a two-match touchline ban and fined £10,000 by the Football Association for his “aggressive” actions.
He did, however, later describe Dean as “one of the best referees”.
“I want to congratulate again, but this time it’s Mike Dean. His performance was unbelievable” former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, perhaps tinged with sarcasm after his side’s 2-1 defeat against Sunderland in 2014
“You’re a disgrace” former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, after confronting the referee following his side’s 1-1 draw against West Brom in December 2017.
Wenger was given a three-match touchline ban and fined £40,000 by the FA after challenging Dean in the referee’s changing room.
“If truth be told, the players like him” former referee Mark Halsey in January 2017.
Halsey was responding to criticism of Dean for his performances over the festive period. He said he “disagreed” with some of the decisions but that Dean was “a very good referee” and “one of the best of the bunch”.
