New Soccer Saturday host makes brilliant Mike Dean quip after VAR debate

With Mike Dean not in the studio for this Premier League Saturday, Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday's newest presenter ensured he still got a good mention

Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist

16:29, 25 Nov 2023

Sky Sports reporter Caroline Barker laughs after sharing a joke on Sky Sport Soccer Saturday

Caroline Barker enjoyed a great debut on Sky Sport Soccer Saturday(Image: @SkySportsPL/Twitter)

Soccer Saturday's newest presenter ensured she made her presence known in the studio with a brilliant quip at the expense of Mike Dean.

For the first time this Premier League season, Caroline Barker was on hosting duty for the iconic football programme after regular host Simon Thomas forced to pull out due to Covid-19. With the sports channel still getting used to life without Jeff Stelling, it was a big role for Barker, 42, to fill.

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However, she demonstrated her ability to control the conversation and even come out with the occasional witty quip as fans praised her online. One of her best moments came when former Premier League referee Mike Dean was mentioned.

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During a moment of contention in Burnley's home fixture against West Ham United, Barker was entrusted with bringing the feistiness of the game into focus. Both Nayef Aguerd and Edson Alvarez were given a yellow card at the same time towards the end of the first half.

While the pundits were discussing what happened, there was a suggestion that VAR could have been needed to take a better look at what happened. Usually, Dean is the one who talks the panel through VAR decisions on the show.

What are your thoughts on this season's episodes of Sky Sports Soccer Saturday? Let us know in the comment section below

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Mike Dean smiling while standing in front of a book case

Dean was not on the panel for the weekend matches(Image: @mikedeanref/Instagram)

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However, with the former official absent, there was nobody for them to consult. Barker laughed: “Mike Dean is just on the phone from the golf course," prompting an amused Merson to mimic Dean by saying: "7-Iron."

Dean, 55, has been a marmite like figure since he retired from officiating to take up a role with Sky Sports. He recently argued with Merson over the controversy during Tottenham Hotspur's contentious victory over Liverpool.

Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United in action during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and West Ham United at Turf Moor on November 25, 2023

The panel were watching Burnley's home clash against West Ham(Image: Getty Images)

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The ex-referee tried to stick up for the officials, who were found guilty of a breakdown of communication which saw Luis Diaz's legitimate goal being disallowed, despite a VAR check confirming he was onside when he scored the goal.

However, considering he is still being mentioned when he is not even in the studio, no one can argue that he has not made his presence known.