Fans cannot believe what former referee Mike Dean said after a controversial moment during the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Arsenal.
On Sunday, Arsenal travelled to Stamford Bridge to face local rivals Chelsea in a tense London derby.
Early in the match, Arsenal keeper David Raya tried to take a quick goal kick to launch a counterattack but was blocked by Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, who appeared to intentionally run in front of his opponent and trip him up, halting the move.
Despite this, the Englishman was not booked for the incident, much to the surprise of commentator Gary Neville and fans online.
And after ex-referee Mike Dean, who is a part of the commentary team for the match, explained why he believed the defender escaped a booking, Neville and fans were left furious.
Reacting to the moment, Neville said: “I’m surprised that’s not actually a booking, he tries to delay the restart. He does well Raya and Colwill just sort of blocks him.”
Dean then chimed in to explain, saying: “It’s a possible booking there but usually the first one when I was involved, the first one was always free.
“I know it sounds daft when you say free but the first one always a good talking to for the player who committed the offence and the second time you would have to penalise.”
Neville, in complete disbelief, reacted by asking the former referee: “Is that in the letter of the laws Mike? First one is free?”
The Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal was a scrappy clash. (Image: Getty)
And fans on social media agreed with the pundit, posting on social media: “If I’m a professional ref hearing Mike Dean on Sky I’m screaming at the telly. He just said that about a definite yellow card.”
While one called for the former official to be taken off commentary due to the comments, writing: “The introduction of Mike Dean to the commentary wasn’t wanted by anyone and adds absolutely nothing . Get him away from the mic.”
Another agreed, adding: “Mike Dean chatting absolute s*** as always. Why on earth is he on comms for these games.”
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports
Topics: Premier League, Chelsea, Arsenal, Mike Dean, VAR, Fan Reactions