Newcastle controversy may end with Dean ‘retirement’ as ex-Premier League referee analyses controversial footage
Mike Dean was in a great position and made a terrific decision when he waved away the Newcastle United appeals for a penalty in their 3-1 loss to Liverpool.
That is the view of ex-Fifa and Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s challenge on Ryan Fraser.
Early on in the second half, Alexander-Arnold found himself on the wrong side of Fraser before launching into a challenge to prod the ball away from his opponent, as shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day programme.
Dean waved away the Newcastle appeals for a penalty and the game continued.
As quoted on Caught Offside TV, Eddie Howe questioned why VAR did not intervene on the decision as he felt it was worthy of a spot-kick.
With Liverpool only 2-1 up at the time a penalty would have given Newcastle a way back into the game and the chance to earn at least a vital point at Anfield
“I thought Mike Dean was in a great position and it was a terrific decision,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I think it was a correct decision and the replays support that.
“He’s a really experienced referee but he doesn’t seem to be getting as many games as he did last season. That might be because he’s moving towards retirement. He generally deals quite a polished performance.”
Dean has been in charge of 11 Premier League games this season.
The Wirral-born official has only awarded two penalties in that time.
In other news, Newcastle United have agreed a landmark hire ahead of January.