The Premier League have released a statement after Mike Dean delivered a strong verdict on Diogo Dalot’s challenge during the opening stages of Saturday afternoon’s Manchester derby between Manchester United and Manchester City.
Aside from Harry Maguire’s inexcusable close-range header miss, clear-cut chances were hard to come by in the opening half-hour. Man United showed early promise but lacked sustained conviction, while the absence of goals by halftime could largely be attributed to the offside flag. Gianluigi Donnarumma was twice rounded by Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes, only for both efforts to be ruled out, sparing the Man City goalkeeper’s blushes.
However, whether the Red Devils should have been afforded such opportunities at all remains controversial. Much of the halftime discussion centred on Dalot’s potential red-card incident, which saw him raise his studs in a challenge on Antoine Semenyo, leaving pundits and supporters divided over Anthony Taylor and VAR's decision to give him just a yellow. Watch the incident below:
Premier League Release Statement Following Diogo Dalot Tackle
Diogo Dalot
Vindicating the decision to only award the defender a cautionary yellow card, the Premier League wrote on its social media accounts, via the Match Centre (see below):
"The referee’s call of yellow card to Dalot for a reckless challenge was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be glancing and not with excessive force."
Former Referee Mike Dean Challenges Decision
mike dean
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean, however, vehemently disagreed during his appearance on Gillette Soccer Saturday, branding it "100% a red card." He added:
"At normal speed, you can't tell, but the replays aren't good. It's high, across the knee cap. Red card all day long."
Daniel Sturridge and Roy Keane were also adamant that the challenge was worthy of a red card during their punditry duty for Sky Sports, with the latter quipping: "I'm no expert in red cards, but I think that was one".