Mike Dean reacts instantly to controversial incident in Sunderland draw vs Crystal Palace
Sunderland secured their first away point of the Premier League season with a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Robin Roefs had to be at his best for Sunderland and pulled off some superb saves to deny the Eagles in the second half.
In truth, it was a match with little in the way of drama, although there was a significant incident towards the end of the game.
Former referee Mike Dean was in a prime position to react to the incident and share his thoughts.
Mike Dean sides with Wilson Isidor in Crystal Palace penalty appeal
Sunderland were tipped to struggle at Selhurst Park, given how strongly the Eagles have started the season.
Wilson Isidor replaced Eliezer Mayenda as expected, but was unable to make a real impression in a rare start.
However, the forward was involved in arguably the most controversial incident of the game in the second half.
- Possession: Palace 56 – 44 Sunderland
- Expected goals (xG): Palace 1.57 – 0.36 Sunderland
- Big chances: Palace 3 – 0 Sunderland
New Palace signing Christantus Uche managed to get a rare shot off on Roefs’ goal, but thought he was caught by the 25-year-old.
“Isidor catches [Uche], but he’s had the shot, and Roefs saves. They want a penalty, Palace. Let’s bring Mike in…” Clinton Morrison said on Sky Sports on 13 September.
Dean replied: “I think [Uche] has just kicked his opponent.”
Read more: Regis Le Bris confirms exactly why Enzo Le Fee was left out for Sunderland’s clash vs Crystal Palace
Should the referee have given Crystal Palace a penalty vs Sunderland?
When Uche went down, it was difficult to see what had happened, but then the replays offered some answers.
Indeed, when the 22-year-old got his shot away, he did collide with the leg of Isidor, meaning VAR analysed what had happened.
However, the Sunderland man was so close to Uche’s shot that he could do little to get out of the way.
If it had been given, then there would have been some justification for it being awarded, but it was unlikely that VAR would have overturned the decision.
Upon reflection, credit must go to the referee who gave what looked like the correct decision in the Premier League stalemate.
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