Post by onloantodiv1 on May 16, 2006 17:45:45 GMT 1
Dean Takes Charge
Kevin Blackwell's wish to have a top Premiership referee officiate at the Play-Off final against Watford has been granted with the appointment of Mike Dean.
Blackwell had criticised the appointment of two non-Premiership referees for the semi-final games with Preston but with Dean in charge, this weekend's crucial game at the Millennium Stadium will have one of the most respected referees in the game currently.
He was originally appointed to referee the 2006 FA Cup final in Cardiff. However, after concerns were raised about his ability to be impartial towards Liverpool F.C., who are based near Dean's home town on Merseyside, the Football Association took the unusual step of replacing him with Alan Wiley.
Dean is no stranger to the Millennium Stadium, having taken charge of the Community Shield between Arsenal and Manchester United in August 2004.
In 39 games this season the Wirral-based Whistle-blower has handed out 126 yellow cards and sent nine players off.
He has taken charge of two Leeds games this season, both of them resulting in wins for the Whites. He oversaw United's away victory over Burnley in October when he awarded a penalty against Sean Gregan, and at home to Leicester City in December. He has taken charge of just one Watford game this season, a 1-1 draw with the Hornets local rivals Luton.
His most notable moment whilst officiating a Leeds game came when he sent off Mark Viduka in United's 3-2 win over Leicester City back in April 2004 for two bookable offences.
Dean became a member of the Select Group of referees in 2000 and has been a FIFA referee since 2003.
He was suspended for three months due to his involvement with a horse racing betting company, in which he appeared to be violating his refereeing contract by using his football status to help promote the betting company.
Mr Dean will be assisted by Mr G.L Ward and Mr M.S. Yearby at the Millennium Stadium.
Kevin Blackwell's wish to have a top Premiership referee officiate at the Play-Off final against Watford has been granted with the appointment of Mike Dean.
Blackwell had criticised the appointment of two non-Premiership referees for the semi-final games with Preston but with Dean in charge, this weekend's crucial game at the Millennium Stadium will have one of the most respected referees in the game currently.
He was originally appointed to referee the 2006 FA Cup final in Cardiff. However, after concerns were raised about his ability to be impartial towards Liverpool F.C., who are based near Dean's home town on Merseyside, the Football Association took the unusual step of replacing him with Alan Wiley.
Dean is no stranger to the Millennium Stadium, having taken charge of the Community Shield between Arsenal and Manchester United in August 2004.
In 39 games this season the Wirral-based Whistle-blower has handed out 126 yellow cards and sent nine players off.
He has taken charge of two Leeds games this season, both of them resulting in wins for the Whites. He oversaw United's away victory over Burnley in October when he awarded a penalty against Sean Gregan, and at home to Leicester City in December. He has taken charge of just one Watford game this season, a 1-1 draw with the Hornets local rivals Luton.
His most notable moment whilst officiating a Leeds game came when he sent off Mark Viduka in United's 3-2 win over Leicester City back in April 2004 for two bookable offences.
Dean became a member of the Select Group of referees in 2000 and has been a FIFA referee since 2003.
He was suspended for three months due to his involvement with a horse racing betting company, in which he appeared to be violating his refereeing contract by using his football status to help promote the betting company.
Mr Dean will be assisted by Mr G.L Ward and Mr M.S. Yearby at the Millennium Stadium.
