Under siege Mike Dean finds an unlikely defender in Gary Neville

Pundit said the abuse went too far

Rob Burnett

Under siege Mike Dean finds an unlikely defender in Gary Neville

Mike Dean is the talk of the town after his bizarre performance in Manchester United’s win at West Ham on Monday.

The Wirral official sent off Hammers midfielder Sofiane Feghouli after just a quarter of an hour played for a foul on Phil Jones – a decision that many felt was far too harsh, and ensured Dean was in the crosshairs for fans and pundits alike.

This opinion was fairly common on Twitter on Sunday night:

https://twitter.com/AFCMemz/status/815974759389335552

But amidst all the abuse branding Dean arrogant and useless, he has found an unlikely defender.

Gary Neville is famed for his forthright views as a pundit but early this morning he took to twitter to defend the under fire ref.

I was critical of Mike deans performance in the game . He was poor. But I think the reaction since towards him is disgraceful.

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) January 3, 2017

Yes he should be criticised but to suggest he wanted to be centre of attention and he should be sacked or not referee again is wrong!!

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) January 3, 2017

One follower suggested Neville was applying double standards – but he disagreed.

I criticised his in game performance. Didn't question his integrity or his future refereeing of PL matches!! https://t.co/fMJ5r8pqr4

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) January 3, 2017

He did absolutely let the sending off get to him. It was a statement . I also said it happens to players where one mistake snowballs . https://t.co/Dyk7Ic2x57

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) January 3, 2017

I'm happy to be in the minority and have a differing opinion. I may not be right but you're going to get my opinion! https://t.co/V0DEQmJkfA

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) January 3, 2017

Whether Dean is finding any comfort in Neville’s support (or maybe he isn’t even on twitter so has no idea how much abuse he was getting in the first place) we just don’t know. But we’ll leave you with this clip of him dealing with the pre-match bubbles at West Ham, just for funsies.