The EFL confirmed that Mike Dean will take charge of Nottingham Forest’s meeting with Aston Villa on Wednesday evening, with Ian Hussin and Darren Cann named as assistants and Andy Woolmer as the Fourth Official.
The 50-year-old has refereed 28 games in all competitions (22 in the Premier League, one in the Championship, one in League Two, two in the FA Cup and two in the EFL Cup) this season, doling out 114 yellow cards, 10 red cards and eight penalties.
Dean’s reputation as a card-happy referee who flirts with controversy every week has many fans worried that his performance could affect the outcome on Wednesday. They weren’t pleased with the news and took to social media to express their dissatisfaction and ironic enthusiasm.
Oh god ????????♂️ mr dean just loves himself ! He makes it all about him ! I’m sure he thinks he’s more special than the players
— jase rollo (@RolloJase) March 12, 2019
It’s going to be a memorable game, simply because of 2 words. Mike.Dean #nffc pic.twitter.com/oWSQTP8pzv
— Nick Madge (@madgeni) March 12, 2019
Let’s hope it doesn’t become all about Mike Dean…maybe wishful thinking ????#NFFC
— Dave⭐️⭐️ (@dj_zotov) March 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/KatieNeale22/status/1105375774440222720
Buzzing for Wed night #nffc v #avfc can't believe after all these years watching football I'm actually going to see the awesome Mike Dean at the City Ground, not sure what the score will be but as long as we are talking about him Thursday morning I'm sure we will all be happy!
— Retik Finance Help Center (@retikfinance_HC) March 12, 2019
Oh lordy…..the ref on Wednesday night for @NFFC v @AVFCOfficial is the one & only Mike Dean…..what could possibly go wrong ?? 🙈@Kscott1066 @stuuuuu_nffc @Clarkey_No1 #nffc
— Ian 🌳🔴⚪️🔴🌳🏴🇹🇷 (@ismith1968) March 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/ReissNFFC/status/1104793104656273408
Boss man Mike Dean in the middle for #NFFC vs #AVFC that's enough to make everyone wana watch it!!
— ℂ𝕖𝕖 (@Cee_GK5) March 10, 2019
Dean has officiated four Forest games in his career – vs Huddersfield Town (League One) on November 26, 2005, vs Swansea City (Championship playoffs) on May 12, 2011, vs Leicester City (Championship) on May 4, 2013 and vs Preston North End (FA Cup) on January 24, 2014.
Forest are currently eighth in the Championship with 53 points from 36 games this season. The Reds are coming off the back of two wins from their last three outings.
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Opinion: Martin O’Neill rewards Nottingham Forest player and is instantly vindicated
