Referee Mike Dean has called for no involvement in any Premier League games this weekend after being targeted by online death threats along with members of his family.
The death threats have been reported to police and Dean is yet to comment on the FA Cup tie between Leicester City and Brighton on Wednesday but will not be involved in the weekend’s league matches.
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Dean and his family suffered the abuse after a controversial red card to West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek during the 0-0 draw with Fulham on Saturday.
“Such threats and abuse are completely inappropriate and we fully support Mike’s decision to report those messages his family received to the police,” said the managing director of Professional Games. Professional Games Limited (PGMOL), Mike Riley.
“No one should suffer from hateful messages like this. Online abuse will not be tolerated in any life and more needs to be done to address the problem.”
Dean reviewed what happened between Soucek and Aleksandar Mitrovic after video assistant referee Lee Mason told him the pair had been beaten. Examination of the video showed Soucek capturing Mitrovic with his elbow in a similar crash.
However, Dean decided to fire him for violent behavior.
West Ham won their red card appeal and Soucek thanked fans for their support.
I’m glad my red card against Fulham was turned upside down. I’ve checked it out, I’ve surpassed 200 games without a single red card. My whole career. I look forward to helping the team in the important games this week! Thanks for your support!#westham #whu #COYI pic.twitter.com/wANFeAFmhf
– Tomáš Souček (@ tomassoucek28) February 8, 2021
“I am delighted that my red card against Fulham has been turned over.” he said on Twitter.
“I checked it out, I’ve gone over 200 games without a single red card. My whole career. I’m looking forward to helping the team in the important games of the week. Thanks for your support! “
The incident with Soucek was the culmination of several controversial decisions made by Mason and Dean, which are often put together for matches.
Last week, Jan Bednarek of Southampton was sent off against Manchester United by Dean for breaking a chance for a goal goal until the red card was turned two days later.
The pair also denied a penalty from Southampton against Aston Villa last weekend in another controversial decision.
The Times reports that the PGMOL is considering a temporary separation of the two referees.