Could he do it on a wet Tuesday night in Wolverhampton? Yes he could.
Referee Mike Dean etched his name in the record books by becoming the first referee to show 100 red cards in the Premier League.
There was no display of extravagance, and no celebration afterwards when he first pulled out a yellow card, and then showed the red to Manchester United's Ashley Young - the second time the 33-year-old has felt the full force of Dean's law.
The 50-year-old had been stuck on 99 marching orders for three months, having last brandished red in Burnley's 2-1 win at Huddersfield when he sent two men off.
But, 18 years after his first Premier League dismissal (Nolberto Solano of Newcastle, in case you were interested), "Mike Dean from the Wirral" has finally brought up the ton.
Here is a look at his landmark moment, the numbers behind the century and the reaction across social media...
Dean's big moment
Reaction to Dean's 100th red card
There was somewhat of a social media frenzy once the referee reached the landmark.
What managers have said about him
And while there was playful celebration of Dean's landmark on social media, a few managers have not been so kind about the whistle blower in the past.
"You know what you are" - Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, after Tottenham's loss at Burnley in February
"I want to congratulate again, but this time it's Mike Dean. His performance was unbelievable." - former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, perhaps tinged with sarcasm after his side's 2-1 defeat against Sunderland in 2014
"You're a disgrace" - former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, after confronting the referee following his side's 1-1 draw against West Brom in December 2017
Pimp1926
0
you are lies Mike Dean was Liverpool support
Huh, English pls.
Zidckptz
0
why would smalling be blend, I don't think we should blend any of those defender when the midfield collapse alongside with Paul pogba, Fred and Jesse le'gas they play like children. Mr solkjear for you have seen it for your self, rojo is good then Jones please used him at time. matt,has do well he is very good, please reinforced your teams else you won't get better result, please buy player's like Marco varatti from PSG, Ross Barclay's from Chelsea, Harry Maguire from Leicester city and Douglas Costa from juventu and sale Alex Sanchez's, Paul pogba, Philip Jones, Jesse legas and others player's signed: MOSES Q. KARPEH SR. LIBERIA, WEST AFRICA.
Bucdilmoty
0
i hate to see him ref man u games..and he is always choosen to officiate
Newtondu
0
How can Mike Dean be trusted when his spelling is worse than a 10 year old's??
gramme
1
The FA have backed a bent ref. They need Mike Dean to include in his report what he said to Perez and Poch. "Say that again in front of the cameras" - According to reports he told Poch that that was the end of their title bid or similar.
virginK
0
All referees have a difficult job but some are just so arrogant and have little empathy for the game, for example John Moss is not fit enough and makes absurd decisions from frequently too far away, and unfortunately Mike Deans is far too attention seeking so his body isn't big or strong enough to hold his confused head. SAD
Ludicrous
0
This story agitates everyone who reads it because it seems unjust and real culprit is being protect by an Agency whom the global fans and audience deem to be fair and unbiased... I would take it as a British Value, if Mike Dean and FA get away from this incident without being questions.. Maybe that's how things work in Britain..
Elenadover
0
Mike Dean has achieved much more in football than this clown. At least he managed to rile millions of fans.
civilization
0
It's a toss-up between Mike Dean and Phil Dowd for worst Premier League refs of all time. Clattenburg and Webb are also in consideration.
Lucasbia
0
HE HATES TO BE TOLD WHO AND WHAT HE IS___ Mike Dean must be extraordinarily ashamed of himself!
unisance
0
Ever since the Mike Dean is a Spurs fan accusations, he has gone out of his way to give Spurs bad decisions over and over and over. Should not be a Premier League referee.
NyosTV
0
love this guy
Rotdilrsuy
0
Mike dean has more EPL red card Than Morata has goals!
you are lies Mike Dean was Liverpool support
Heyabprtyz
0
hooo to much
Pimp1926
0
Mike dean has more EPL red card Than Morata has goals!
sayantanpatra
3
Sergio Ramos of the EPL.... 😁😁 Card man......😉😉😝😋
SonOfPep
1
Ashley Young deserved red card. He misbehaved, he wanted to hurt his opponent
kimdempz
1
a perfect call on both occasions Ashley could have got straight RED..for hus 2nd tackle
AmandaHelal
0
congratulation Mr Dean #redcardmaster
DzekoDienQdoh
0
is he the first to reached this feat??
ponaekrsz
5
Thats is a complete red card,there was no mistake for the decision
Jed
3
Mike Dean used to be Man United referee na during Sir. Alex days.