Mike Dean stole the limelight in the first half of the clash between West Ham United and Manchester United as he sent off Sofiane Feghouli for a 50-50 challenge on Phil Jones. However, it can be argued that the over-exaggerated reaction of the latter played a key role in the decision by Dean.
In the 13th minute of the game – with the game equally poised – Michail Antonio, who was playing as a striker, brought the ball down for Feghouli and the Algerian was guilty of a poor first touch before he stretched to get to the ball. However, Phil Jones came sliding in and was slightly earlier to the ball than the 27-year-old who caught him on the thigh – albeit without any malicious intent or force.
Jones made the most of it as he started writhing on the pitch, seemingly in excruciating pain and Mike Dean being Mike Dean gave Feghouli the marching orders – a truly horrendous decision which changed the complexion of what was looking like an evenly balanced contest. In fact, Jones’ tackle was more reckless than Feghouli’s.
Jose Mourinho’s side went on to win the game 2-0 courtesy of second-half goals from Juan Mata and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with the second one being offside – adding insult to the injury of West Ham United.
Twitter, as you would expect, didn’t spare the 48-year-old and absolutely demolished him. Here are some of the best tweets:
Welcome to the Mike Dean show
Is it Mike Dean or Paul Pogba we are talking about?
#NoHoldsBarred
The love for Tottenham Hotspur is real
Signing of the season?
Did he send Feghouli off just because he didn’t like the bubbles?
Here is an Englishman that the Premier League won’t mind losing
To put things into perspective
Phil Jones to be sent off next then?
Swift!
Hard to argue with that, considering the decisions he has been making
Is it time for video referrals?
Wake up FA, do something
True that
A real Feghouli – that’s unique!
It’s all about Mike Dean
Sit back and enjoy the Mike Dean show
Time for him to retire?
Ohhh..... #Burn
Even Messi would not be able to pull that off!
And we know why.......
