Premier League referee Mike Dean left fans astonished as he appeared unimpressed by a VAR decision to award a penalty to Arsenal against Watford in the Premier League on Sunday.
Experienced official Dean was caught on camera wearing a mystified frown as a lengthy remote check of replays adjudged Gunners striker Alexandre Lacazette to have been fouled by Watford defender Craig Dawson just two minutes into the final game of the league season at the Emirates Stadium.
Dean had initially decided not to award a spot kick, but Arsenal top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang converted the penalty for the first of his two first-half goals after Dean's view was overturned.
Arsenal fans argued that Dean had been aggrieved by the decision and accused him of bias against Mikel Arteta's side, with one viewer speculating that he had been 'disgusted' at having to oversee a penalty for the hosts.
Others suggested that the technologically-driven intervention had influenced his decision to give Watford a penalty two minutes before the break, which Troy Deeney scored to leave the Hornets 3-1 down at half-time.
A popular Arsenal blogger reacted by saying: 'Mike Dean's face when he's overruled by VAR and HAS to give Arsenal a penalty is all time iconic image.'
Deeney's penalty sparked an unsuccessful comeback from Watford, who were relegated after finishing second-bottom in the Premier League.
Former Arsenal star Danny Welbeck scored their second and the only goal of the second half as they failed to earn the win that would have saved them from Championship football next season.
Dean has awarded seven penalties to Arsenal in 38 matches involving the club that he has officiated, compared to 12 in 38 for near-neighbours Tottenham and 15 in 40 for London rivals Chelsea.
Sawcdlrsuz
0
Mike dean's hatred for Arsenal is inbuilt I swear.
Jokdenry
0
Its funny how Dean reacted to d VAR overturning his penalty decision; he couldn't disguise his bias, PGMO must do something about these 'officials' who he ave continually deprised arsenal of legit goals in matches.
kuhikoru
1
wicked ref.
tateiklnos
3
so many decisions hv gone against Arsenal, thru da season, against Southampton 1st leg, Chelsea, 1st leg, Spurs 1st leg, man city, 1st leg, Leicester 2nd leg, just 2 mention bt a few. It's lyk a planned effort ryt 4rm da FA boardroom 2 disorganise our play, da "soft "cards given 2 Arsenal players 2 depict as if we play da roughest game in da EPL. h Those hopeless foolz
Buyemoprt
2
how do you award a penalty after the player has taken his shot. penalty for Watford was bias. welback poked his shot straight to Martinez then he feels the tackle then his leg broke, then its fine again. shame man gone are the days of men playing football. its a contact sport wtf. too many actors in EPL. atleast now 1 or 2 are going to championship.[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Mancborn
0
maybe they are forgetting their is next season. U troll him on media u payback next season[Crylaugh]
Hepadipsyz
1
he always against arsenal if he is the shot
winaimnrsz
4
that is exactly what happens wen u don't want to award Arsenal a penalty but u r forced. who doesn't know dean/devil
Patrickpatricia
3
arrogant referee
Toyosi4344
0
Mike Dean tested Positive📢
mzeereal
7
Giving arsenal penalties is rare this season.. So VAR feel like doing a give away at the end of the season.. 😂