Mike Dean, West Ham badge, Brighton badge
Mike Dean reacted to a controversial moment during West Ham v Brighton. Credit: Imago
Harri Burton
Sun 22 December 2024 6:10, UK
Mike Dean believes it was a “50/50” decision over a potential red card for Pervis Estupinan as West Ham drew 1-1 with Brighton on Saturday.
The 26-year-old was shown a yellow card by referee Rob Jones at the London Stadium on 21 December, and following a VAR review, was allowed to remain on the pitch until the final whistle.
With Max Kilman writhing around in pain on the floor, many were expecting the card to change colour but the home side were disappointed as the referee kept his cards in his pocket.
Reacting to the controversial moment via Sky Sports [21 December, 4:47pm], Dean said: “The problem is that there’s two feet off the ground, he’s out of control. He gets the ball but the follow-through catches the West Ham player on the shin.
“It will be a yellow card because you can’t make a substitution while there’s a review going on. On-field I’d give yellow but with the replay, it’s a 50/50 call.”
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Pervis Estupinan a lucky boy in West Ham v Brighton
Kilman was lucky to still be on the pitch following a horror tackle by the Seagulls’ left-back, and Hammers fans have every right to be aggrieved by the decision.
However, Dean has clearly contradicted himself while stating the player was “out of control” but the decision was still “50/50” following a VAR review. It can only be one here.
With six minutes of time added on, and six minutes of normal time still remaining, anything could have happened at the London Stadium in the closing stages.
West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui
West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui
It was Brighton who came closest to scoring a winner, with only a heroic goal-line clearance saving Julen Lopetegui’s team, and that really would have rubbed salt into the wounds.
Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus and Crysencio Summerville were all on the pitch, all of whom would have been licking their lips for the final 10 minutes had Estupinan been sent off.
In other West Ham news, Aaron Wan-Bissaka astonished with an “absolutely brilliant” moment as the Hammers drew v Brighton.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts