Referee Mike Dean has never been one to shy away from the spotlight.
And Arsenal fans were left fuming on Monday after Matteo Guendouzi was booked for theatrically placing the ball down for a free kick by Dean.
https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1234575253826867206?s=20
The French midfielder who won his side a free-kick was cautioned by Dean during the first half of the Gunners’ FA Cup tie with Portsmouth, leaving supporters bemused as to why.
After being told the original free-kick was taken in the wrong place, Guendouzi picked up the ball, lifted it above his head and then slammed it on the ground – with Dean immediately blowing up and getting the yellow card out.
Fans were quick to complain that Dean booked Guendouzi, but kept his cards in his pocket when Lucas Torreira got injured.
Here’s what some Gooners on Twitter had to say about the ref…
Mike Dean booking someone for over-the-top gesticulating is the height of irony.
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) March 2, 2020
Mike Dean is a Spurs fan
— JB™️ (@gunnerpunner) March 2, 2020
https://twitter.com/IanWright0/status/1234579755049082880?s=20
They fall and it’s a foul. Mike Dean just waiting for them to foul in the penalty box. He is ever ready
— Osman (@OsmanZtheGooner) March 2, 2020
Torreira got his ankle snapped and had to be stretchered off. Didn’t even get a free kick. Guendouzi set the ball down and got a yellow card. Mike Dean.
— Paddy (@PaddyArsenal) March 2, 2020