red mist Premier League referee asks for time off after receiving death threats

Mike Dean has asked not to officiate a Premier League game this weekend after receiving abuse and death threats on social media.

Dean has been involved in some controversial decisions in recent weeks, with his decision to send off West Ham's Tomas Soucek for violent conduct after he appeared to accidentally strike Aleksandar Mitrovic in the Hammers' 0-0 draw at Fulham on Saturday quickly rescinded by the Football Association.

That incident came just four days after Dean sent off Southampton defender Jan Bednarek for a challenge on Anthony Martial in the Saints' 9-0 thrashing at Manchester United. That decision was also overturned on appeal.

Sky Sports are reporting Dean's family has also been targeted with social media abuse, with the police involved in the process that is now ongoing.

West Ham boss David Moyes has declared himself “disappointed with football in general” in the wake of Tomas Soucek’s red card at Fulham.

The Hammers have successfully appealed against referee Dean’s decision to send off the Czech midfielder for catching Aleksandar Mitrovic with his elbow by accident in Saturday’s goalless draw.

Dean checked the replays on the pitchside monitor after consulting VAR Lee Mason and decided the incident merited a straight red.

Moyes was unimpressed by Mitrovic’s reaction – the 6ft 2in Serbian striker went down clutching his face – but says the referees need to be stronger in their decision making.

“I am disappointed with football in general that the officials would allow these situations to take over from the game,” he said.

“I can only see the officials being the people that can stop it by not allowing the players to get away with the actions they are taking, because it is making the referee’s decision so difficult in giving them a decision when there wasn’t one to give.”

Moyes should be riding the crest of a wave with West Ham lying sixth in the Premier League and with an FA Cup fifth-round trip to Manchester United to look forward to.

But the disillusioned Scot added: “Every footballer has a responsibility to do the correct thing but the officials are giving the players responsibility to gain success by their actions.

“The only people who can stop it are the officials. No-one else can change it. If players are going to do this, it needs to change.

“If they are going to be rewarded by getting players sent off and winning penalties and getting an advantage, we can’t let that happen. Only the officials can stop it.”

Moyes will have Soucek available at Old Trafford after the red card was overturned.

The Football Association said: “Tomas Soucek will be available for West Ham United FC’s next three fixtures following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal.

“The midfielder was sent off during a Premier League fixture against Fulham FC on Saturday for violent conduct.”

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Online Editors