Mike Dean furious at referee who was ‘scared’ after Bruno Fernandes red card incident against Manchester City

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has launched a brutal tirade following the incident with Bruno Fernandes against Sunderland.

Mike Dean has made a bizarre rant about refereeing following Bruno Fernandes’ controversial red card incident. The Manchester United captain appeared to take an elbow to the face from Nilsson Angulo during his team’s stalemate with Sunderland, but Dean has given a bizarre explanation as to why it was missed.

Paul Merson, who was covering the game for Sky Sports, said: “When Fernandes got the ball, he looked up and went to play. Angulo, who came on as a substitute, came running back and just elbowed him in the face a little bit as he ran. It wasn’t a big contact, but he meant it on purpose. I think this could have resulted in a red card.”

Dean, the judging panel’s officiating expert, interjected: “I’m not putting too much effort into it, but I don’t understand why a player would run and put his arm behind his back and put himself in danger.”

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“I don’t know what’s going on. They were obviously looking into it. They didn’t do anything. They just talked to Fernandes and the checks were done. With VAR, there’s risk. It could have gone either way.”

Then Merson said, “They didn’t even book him, Mike.”

Dean replied curiously. “Well, it’s already May, right?”

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Lead presenter Simon Thomas wondered: “What? It may be May for you, but don’t referees still have a job to do?”

Dean went on to elaborate: “It’s just frustrating when we don’t make good decisions in games. Fulham were a great example of that today. We just didn’t perform well on the pitch.”

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“They’re just not making decisions on the pitch. Whether May is joking or not, it’s an easy decision. Against Man United there was a penalty scream five minutes before, but it could have gone either way and it will be a challenge in another game. They just aren’t making decisions. I don’t know why.”

Thomas then asked, “Is that something we have to work on this summer?”

Dean said: “They’re going to have to do that, because that’s not enough. We’ve talked about that before off-air. It’s easier to get a red card and make a big, brave decision and get a red card. And if they (the decision) stays on the field, everyone is happy because it’s a good decision. I think they’re just scared of getting a red card. They’re just scared.”

United drew 0-0, but Fulham and Bournemouth both had players sent off for red card offenses following a VAR review. The Cherries won the match, putting them in a good position to qualify for the Champions League.

Michael Carrick’s side are already guaranteed a top-five finish. Injuries to Benjamin Sesco and Casemiro ruled them out of the match at the Stadium of Light, but they are not a major cause for concern.

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