Liverpool fans are concerned that Mike Dean and his theatrics could play into the narrative when Burnley visit Anfield on Saturday.
The Reds got their season underway in fine fashion at Carrow Road last weekend, with a 3-0 win over Daniel Farke’s Norwich City.
Goals from Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah put the newly-promoted side to bed but Jurgen Klopp’s side will now need to deal with Sean Dyche’s men.
Liverpool have won just one of their last four games against Burnley at Anfield and that’s a record they will surely look to overcome this weekend with a win.
Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker (C) talks to referee Mike Dean (R) at the end of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 21, 2021. (Photo by PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool had a multitude of issues last season and to add to their injury woes, major calls rarely went their way.
One of the most confusing calls was one in which Mike Dean was heavily involved in and him being involved at Anfield this weekend is concerning as a result.
The 56-year-old awarded the below incident as a foul on Ashley Barnes despite (a) the player kicking the ball out of play (b) there being minimal contact and (c) the Burnley striker clearly exaggerates it.
GW19: VAR officials rule that Alisson fouls Barnes pic.twitter.com/emaXuFsyHn
— TW (@twjregista) January 22, 2021
Fortunately, the Premier League has introduced new guidelines for its referees to be more lenient and to allow for greater contact both inside and outside the box to allow the game to flow.
Last season, the game became so staccato while the EUROs were officiated brilliantly with the game at the summer tournament flowing incredibly, allowing for some truly breathtaking attacking football.
The Premier League has taken notice but Mike Dean’s penchant for theatrics and his leniency towards the underdog is bad news for Liverpool fans and it has sparked concern on Twitter.
Liverpool fans are worried about Dean
Disaster
— RH LFC! (@raz2fast) August 16, 2021
Oh dear Lord 🙄
— 🇯🇲 $$hhmoney 🇯🇲 (@DiRealLauren) August 17, 2021
— JayKeen (@JayKeen93) August 17, 2021
@PoorEPLreferees fabinho red card after two minutes of play
— joe ⚡️❤️ (@JoeXtraa) August 16, 2021
I thought this season would be good fun but I guess not
— Brandon (@Brandon_5703) August 16, 2021
He always favor the underdog. I am pretty sure Burnley will get a favorable game changing call at some point.
— Rene Jeffrey (@ReneOuld) August 16, 2021
https://twitter.com/baba_sani_auwal/status/1427401153508220931?s=20
Same person that gave burnley penalty at Anfield last season ? Cringe
— G.I.N.A AMAKA DOUG 🍫👹🍫 (@donlexis1992) August 17, 2021
