This weekend’s showdown between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge will be refereed by Mike Dean.
This news will likely be greeted by groans from a large section of Chelsea supporters who will forever remember Dean for being the official in charge of the Blues 2-1 defeat to Sunderland in April 2014 – a loss which ended Jose Mourinho’s 77-match unbeaten streak in Premier League play.
During the dying minutes of the match, Dean awarded a penalty against Cesar Azpilicueta for a challenge on Jozy Altidore, with Fabio Borini tucking home from the spot to end Mourinho’s unblemished home record.
The referee then sent Blues assistant coach Rui Faria to the stands after Faria protested the decision.
Jose Mourinho sarcastically congratulated the officials after the match, when at the time it looked like Liverpool were going to win the title.
Mourinho took the time to congratulate his players and Sunderland, before launching a veiled attack on Dean and referee chief Mike Riley.
“Third point, I want to congratulate again Mike Dean,” Mourinho said following the defeat. “I think his performance was unbelievable and I think when referees have unbelievable performances, I think it’s fair that as managers we give them praise.
“So, fantastic performance. He came here with one objective. To make a fantastic performance. And that he did.
“And fourth, congratulations also to Mike Riley, the referee’s boss. What they are doing through the whole season is fantastic, especially in the last couple of months, and in teams involved in the title race. Absolutely fantastic.”
Mourinho was later fined by the Football Association, but insisted he had no issue with Dean or referees’ chief Mike Riley.
Dean once again made headlines several weeks ago when Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson accused him of being “one of the most arrogant men I’ve ever met” – he also incurred the wrath of Alan Pardew in 2011 when he failed to send off David Luiz for a fourth minute foul on Demba Ba in a match between Newcastle and Chelsea.
Despite the criticism, Dean is one of the more experienced referees in the league and has been picked to work big games this season.
The Cheshire-based official has shown the most yellow cards (109) of any referee in the division in 2014-15, while also handing out six red cards.
Chelsea are undefeated in three matches with Dean in charge this season. The referee was in charge of the Blues’ 3-0 home win over Tottenham, their 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad, and the club’s 1-1 draw at home to Southampton.
Chelsea’s opponents on Saturday – Manchester United – have also seen Dean placed in charge of their matches this season. The Reds have won once (a 2-1 victory at Arsenal), drawn one (2-2 away to West Brom) and lost once (2-1 home defeat against Swansea City to open the season).
Programming note: Chelsea vs. Manchester United will be shown LIVE on Saturday at 12:30pm EST on NBC and NBC Sports Live Extra.
