In a rare case, Premier League referee Mike Dean has admitted to making a mistake in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against rivals Tottenham Hotspur on August 14. Dean, on VAR duty, decided against sending Cristian Romero off for a hair pull.
During what was an ill-tempered encounter between the two London enemies, the two dugouts clashed twice, once after Spurs’ first goal and once after their second – both scored under controversial circumstances.
Many considered Kai Havertz to have been fouled and Richarlison to be offside in the build-up to Tottenham’s first equalizer; moments before their second, Cristian Romero escaped a red card despite pulling Marc Cucurella down by his hair.
Dean has admitted his error in the second instance, claiming that he did not deem it a violent act on that occasion, but has since reviewed the footage and seen his decision to be incorrect.
“I could not award a free kick as VAR, but I could recommend to Taylor that he visit the referee review area to consider a possible red card,”
he said, per Goal.
“In the few seconds I had to study Romero pulling Cucurella’s hair, I didn’t deem it a violent act.
“I’ve since studied the footage, spoken to other referees and, upon reflection, I should have asked Taylor to visit his pitch-side monitor to take a look for himself. The referee on field always has the final say.”
Tottenham robbed Chelsea of two points on the day, nonetheless. Chelsea, who led through the combination of new signings Cucurella and Kalidou Koulibaly, found themselves searching for the winner again after the 68th minute when Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg brought Spurs level.
Thomas Tuchel’s side believed they had it shortly after when a quick turnover resulted in Recce James firing them back in front. But, with one last twist left in the game, Antonio Conte’s men equalized in the 96th minute through talisman Harry Kane, who flicked in a corner, helping his side earn a point.
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