Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has insisted that Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot should be serving a suspension and be unavailable for the club's crucial upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Controversial Challenge Escapes Punishment
The controversy stems from an incident just ten minutes into Manchester United's 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Saturday. Dalot challenged City winger Jeremy Doku, catching him high on the right leg with his studs showing. Doku went down in pain, but on-field referee Anthony Taylor deemed the challenge worthy of only a yellow card.
The decision was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), operated by Craig Pawson, who opted not to overturn Taylor's original call. The Premier League's official Match Centre later stated the contact was considered "glancing and not with excessive force." This explanation has been met with widespread disbelief from pundits and former officials alike.
Pundits and Ex-Ref Unanimous on Red Card
Speaking on Sky Sports, analysts were united in their criticism. Micah Richards exclaimed, "What more do you want for a red card?" while former United captain Roy Keane conceded, "I think it's a red."
Mike Dean, who officiated in the top flight for over two decades, was unequivocal in his assessment. "For me, that's just 100 per cent a red card," Dean stated. "There's not a lot of force in it, [but] it's too high. The knee's buckled back. For me, that's a red card all day."
Had Dalot been dismissed, he would have faced an automatic three-match ban. This would have ruled him out of:
- The trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal next Sunday.
- The home match against Fulham at the start of February.
- The visit of Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford on February 7th.
Significant Boost for United's Defence
Dalot's availability is a major boost for a Manchester United side enjoying a resurgence. The victory over City, their first league game since parting ways with head coach Ruben Amorim, lifted them to fifth place. They are now unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches.
The Portuguese full-back has been a linchpin for United this season, having played the full 90 minutes in their last seven league games. He has missed only two matches all campaign, both due to a muscle injury in September. His presence for the tough run of London fixtures is now set to be a key factor.
The debate highlights the ongoing subjectivity and controversy surrounding VAR interventions in the Premier League, with a decision that could have significant implications in the race for European qualification.
