Supporters take action to prevent referee from officiating a future Arsenal game after Saturday’s controversial defeat to Chelsea
Arsenal fans have worked quickly to take their own action against Mike Dean after the referee failed to send off Diego Costa on Saturday.
A petition, set up by disgruntled Gooners to ensure that Mike Dean never officiates an another Arsenal game, has nearly received 50,000 signatures.
Mike Dean neglected to book the Chelsea striker, despite a series of on-the-field run-ins with a series of Arsenal players – including Laurent Koscielny, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gabriel Paulista.
Entitled ‘Prevent Arsenal from refereeing another Arsenal game’, the petition calls for an ‘inquiry into his ability to referee Arsenal games’.
“Major incidents have occurred in recent and past games that show he is inept at refereeing at this level now”, the petition reads.
“The recent events at Chelsea V Arsenal highlight this where two Arsenal players were dismissed while Diego Costa the opposition player made 4 straight red card incidents and was show one yellow card only”, it continues.
The petition description also cites a video clip which allegedly shows Dean celebrating a Tottenham goal in a game against Arsenal at the Emirates.
Diego Costa could yet face punishment from the FA for his behaviour from Saturday’s victory over the Gunners at Stamford Bridge. Arsene Wenger has appealed to the official to admit his mistakes and back FA punishment against the 26-year old.