‘I Misjudged It’: Paul Merson Confronts Mike Dean Live on Sky Sports Over Jack Stephens’ Red Card for Southampton
PAUL MERSON made Mike Dean confess live on air that he committed a SIGNIFICANT ERROR during the Tottenham vs. Chelsea match at Stamford Bridge two years ago.
In that game, Spurs defender Cristian Romero astonishingly avoided a red card for yanking Marc Cucurella‘s hair in a 2-2 draw.
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Amazingly, neither Dean nor the video assistant referee considered the hair pull enough to send the Argentine defender packing early.
However, on Tuesday night, Dean had to acknowledge his mistake after witnessing Cucurella being pulled down by Jack Stephens during Chelsea’s 5-1 victory over Southampton.
While appearing on Sky Sports’ Soccer Special, the former referee remarked: “Unfortunately, I was involved in one of these incidents about three years ago.
“I believe someone pulled, I think Romero pulled Cucurella’s hair. I didn’t send him off.”
He then added regarding Stephens’ red card: “But he’s clearly done it, he has to be sent off. That’s his second red card of the season.
“It has to be a sending off, it can’t not be.”
His evaluation of Stephens’ reckless act led to a bold query from Chelsea fan Merson.
He bluntly asked: “But how come the Cucurella one wasn’t?”
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Chelsea player ratings vs Southampton
CHELSEA extended their impressive form with an emphatic 5-1 triumph over Southampton at St Mary’s.
Here’s how the players rated…
FILIP JORGENSEN – 8
Made a tremendous save in the opening two minutes against Joe Aribo’s close-range shot.
Also executed a fantastic stop in the second half. A number of Chelsea fans are now advocating for him to become the club’s starting goalkeeper.
MALO GUSTO – 7
Outperformed all other Chelsea players in duels and tackles during the first half. Delivered a brilliant assist for Sancho’s goal.
AXEL DISASI – 7
Opened the scoring for Chelsea with a simple header after Fernandez’s corner kick.
TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5
Seemed to lose focus when Southampton scored, almost leaving Aribo unmarked.
Came close to scoring with a powerful shot that hit the post in the second half.
MARC CUCURELLA – 6
Frustrated Southampton fans by going down after a hair pull from Jack Stephens that led to a red card. A competent display both in acting and actual performance.
MOISES CAICEDO – 7
Produced several excellent forward passes, including an outstanding trivela assist to Felix in the box that nearly led to an impressive team goal.
ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6
Provided the corner that assisted Disasi’s opening goal but was significantly outplayed by Kyle Walker-Peters leading to Aribo’s equaliser.
NONI MADUEKE – 7
Seized an opportunity from a mistake by Joe Lumley before assisting Nkunku. Scored Chelsea’s third with a composed finish into the bottom-left corner.
Had several chances in the second half but squandered many.
COLE PALMER – 7
Had a quiet match until he capitalized on Nkunku’s attempted pass/shot to score Chelsea’s fourth. He was substituted immediately after scoring.
JOAO FELIX – 6
Showed good energy throughout but missed a great chance late in the first half and another obvious header just post-break.
CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7
Gave Chelsea the lead with a straightforward shot early in the game. Other than that, he had a relatively quiet outing.
SUBSTITUTES
JADON SANCHO (FOR MADUEKE, 72)
Scored his first Chelsea goal shortly after coming on for Madueke.
RENATO VEIGA (FOR CUCURELLA, 79)
Didn’t get much time to impact the match, especially with Chelsea dominating.
KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (FOR PALMER, 79)
Had little opportunity to make his mark on the game.
Dean quickly responded to the former midfielder, stating: “Because I got it wrong. And he’s (Stephens) been sent off.”
The dialogue gained traction and sparked frustration among Chelsea fans.
One commented on X: “You can’t make this up.”
Another remarked: “You can’t write this s**t.”
And another added: “He really has no shame.”
One expressed: “Shameless, Mike Dean.
Another supporter said: “So glad Paul Merson was there to call him out.”
Chelsea overwhelmed the struggling Saints 5-1, closing the gap to the league leaders Liverpool to seven points.
The Blues are set to return to action on Sunday afternoon against Spurs across London.