Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has revealed that he failed to correct a mistake in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur last season to avoid causing his friend Anthony Taylor any additional “grief.” Dean, who was the VAR official for the match, admitted that he made a “really bad call” by not sending Taylor to review his decision before Harry Kane’s stoppage-time equalizer.
The incident in question occurred when Cristian Romero pulled Marc Cucurella’s hair before a Spurs corner, which was then turned in by Kane to level the match. Both managers, Thomas Tuchel of Chelsea and Antonio Conte of Spurs, were also booked after referee Taylor did not penalize Rodrigo Bentancur for a challenge on Kai Havertz.
Speaking on the Up Front podcast with Simon Jordan, Dean expressed regret over his decision. He stated, “I missed the stupid hair pull at Chelsea versus Tottenham which was pathetic from my point of view. It’s one of those where if I had my time again, what would I do? I’d send Anthony (Taylor) to the screen. I think I knew if I did send him to the screen…he’s cautioned both managers, he’s had a hell of a game, it’s been such a tough game end to end.”
Dean further explained that he didn’t want to send Taylor to the screen because he didn’t want to add to the pressure and criticism his friend was already facing. He said, “I said to Anthony afterwards: ‘I just didn’t want to send you to the screen after what has gone on in the game.’ I didn’t want to send him up because he is a mate as well as a referee, and I think I didn’t want to send him up because I didn’t want any more grief than he already had.”
As a result of his decision, Dean was taken off VAR duty for two months and has since retired from the game. He admitted that not telling Taylor to review the Cucurella incident had a significant impact on him. “That was a major error,” he confessed. “If they don’t score from the corner, it is not as big an issue. But I knew full well then I would be stood down the week after. I asked to take a bit of time off because it wasn’t for me. I used to get in the car on a Friday and was dreading Saturday. I was thinking, ‘I hope nothing happens.’ I used to be petrified sitting in the chair.”
This revelation from Dean highlights the challenges and pressures faced by referees in high-profile matches. The scrutiny and criticism they receive can have a profound impact on their mental well-being and job satisfaction. It also raises questions about the relationship between referees and their colleagues, particularly when it comes to making difficult decisions that may affect their friends.
Refereeing decisions have always been a topic of debate in football, with fans and pundits analyzing every call made by officials. However, it is important to remember that referees are human and can make mistakes. They have a difficult task of making split-second decisions in fast-paced matches, often with limited angles and replays available to them.
In recent years, VAR has been introduced to assist referees in making more accurate decisions. While it has helped in some cases, it has also brought its fair share of controversies and debates. The incident involving Dean and Taylor highlights the challenges faced by VAR officials and the pressure they face in making the right call.
It is crucial for the footballing authorities to provide support and resources to referees to ensure their well-being and job satisfaction. This includes training programs, mental health support, and regular feedback and evaluation. Referees play a vital role in the game, and their decisions can have a significant impact on the outcome of matches. Therefore, it is essential to create an environment that allows them to perform their duties effectively and confidently.
In conclusion, Mike Dean’s admission of failing to correct a mistake in the Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur match sheds light on the challenges faced by referees and the pressures they encounter. It emphasizes the need for support and resources to ensure their well-being and job satisfaction. Refereeing decisions will always be scrutinized, but it is important to remember that referees are human and can make mistakes. The introduction of VAR has brought its own set of challenges, and it is crucial to provide assistance and guidance to VAR officials. Ultimately, creating an environment that allows referees to perform their duties effectively will benefit the game as a whole.