MustyMike Dean Blasts Michael Oliver and VAR Over Controversial Decision in Everton vs Man City match
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has launched a fierce attack on Michael Oliver and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) following their handling of a highly controversial incident in Everton’s pulsating 3-3 draw with Manchester City.
Speaking after the match, Dean insisted Everton were robbed of a clear penalty when Bernardo Silva held and dragged an Everton player to the ground inside the box. “Everton should have been awarded a penalty for Bernardo Silva’s action,” Dean declared. “It was blatant holding with no attempt to play the ball. That’s a stonewall spot-kick.”
While Dean offered a loose concession on the added time — admitting the six minutes signalled by the fourth official was “a little not off” — he refused to let Oliver and VAR off the hook for the bigger issue. “The holding by Bernardo should have been awarded as a penalty,” he stressed. Dean argued the officials’ failure to act exposed worrying inconsistency in decision-making at the highest level.
The ex-referee, never one to shy away from criticism, went further, claiming the refereeing team’s approach is becoming worryingly erratic. “The referee and VAR are getting inconsistent,” he said, “and Everton are always in the mix-up when these big calls go against them.”
The flashpoint came as Everton pushed hard for a winner after twice coming from behind. City’s late equaliser by Jérémy Doku in the 97th minute only intensified the sense of injustice among Toffees fans, who felt the officials had given the visitors just enough stoppage time while ignoring an obvious foul moments earlier.
Dean’s comments have reignited the wider debate about VAR’s effectiveness and the consistency of top-flight officials. With Everton once again on the wrong end of a contentious decision, many supporters will hope Dean’s outspoken criticism forces the PGMOL to take a closer look at how such calls are judged in future.
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