Arsenal face Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday afternoon, and it’s fair to say that their fans aren’t impressed that Mike Dean has been appointed referee for it.
It’s a crucial clash between the two rivals, with the Gunners currently sitting just three points adrift of Spurs in the battle for a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.
SEE MORE: Video: Arsenal pay classy tribute as Sol Campbell lands first managerial job
In turn, tensions and the pressure will be high at the Emirates this weekend, with Dean tasked to now officiate proceedings and keep a lid on events.
However, as noted in the tweets below, many Arsenal fans have reacted and aren’t happy with the decision from the FA to appoint him for this particular fixture.
Included in their fury is an alleged example of him celebrating a Tottenham goal against Arsenal in a previous encounter, along with statistics showing that he doesn’t give penalties to the Gunners as often as their rivals.
Given the level of professionalism demanded of officials at such a high level, it’s difficult to suggest that he has ever let any potential bias get in the way of his job, but ultimately the fans below are convinced that it’s a blow for Arsenal.
Time will tell if he does come under scrutiny on Sunday, but there will now undoubtedly be many eyes on his performance with the home faithful likely to get on his back during the game if he makes what they feel are questionable decisions.
Mike Dean reffing the #NLD. The FA is a joke.
— Lou ? (@CthuLouu) November 27, 2018
Mike Dean is clearly Arsenal’s nemesis and seems to enjoy being the inevitable cause of our downfall.
Here he can’t hide his excitement as he watches the ball bounce into the net for a spurs goal.
This is clear bias. He should have been stopped from officiating our games. pic.twitter.com/pAO4SW2iOO
— UberGunners (@UberGunners) November 27, 2018
How the fuck does Spurs fan Mike Dean get to be the referee for the NLD two seasons running? Absolute fucking disgrace. Fuck you @premierleague ??????
— Unai Emery FC ??? (@LeeGunner82) November 27, 2018
I can’t believe I’m flying from America to see Mike Dean fix a game ?
— Luke Hudson (@luke_hudson55) November 27, 2018
Mike Dean penalty stats:
Man Utd – 16 in 61 matches, one every 3.81 games.
Chelsea – 12 in 65 matches, one every 5.42 games.
Man City – 11 in 63 matches, one every 5.73 games.
Spurs – 10 in 58 matches, one every 5.80 games.
Arsenal – 3 in 64 matches, one every 21.33 games.— Mark. (@MarkBFoot) November 27, 2018
Mike Dean will be in charge of the #NLD pic.twitter.com/hG0xWkL7ot
— Arsenal Central (@ArsenalCentral) November 27, 2018
Referee for Arsenal vs Spuds is Mike Dean. Again? Seriously???
— Sir Jenkinson (@theEpicGooner) November 27, 2018
Mike Dean for the NLD on Sunday? How does he keep getting these games??
— Tom Nash (@TomNash4) November 27, 2018
Lifelong Tottenham supporter Mike Dean will officiate this weekends North London Derby. pic.twitter.com/XdlOzJkHBL
— AFCAMDEN (@AFCAMDEN) November 27, 2018
Mike Dean is the referee for the North London Derby. He’s definitely going to give them a penalty, isn’t he? BRB, I’m laughing myself to death.
— 1886 (@1886_blog) November 27, 2018
