Mike Dean responds to swipe from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after Man City row
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has given his verdict on Klopp's comments after Liverpool's draw with Manchester City
Former Premier League official Mike Dean has responded to Jurgen Klopp’s sarcastic assessment of his employment by Sky Sports to assess referee decisions for TV.
Klopp was adamant that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty in the last minute of stoppage time in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City when Jeremy Doku’s boot collided with the chest of Alexis Mac Allister.
On-field referee Michael Oliver did not give a spot kick and VAR did not deem his decision to be a clear and obvious error. Klopp argued that had the challenge been made anywhere else on the pitch, a foul would have been awarded.
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Speaking to Sky Sports after full-time, Klopp aimed a swipe at Dean while explaining his grievances. He said: “They [the officials] said he hit the ball but he can only do that because his foot is right there.
“But if the ball is not there, he kills him – the foot has nothing to do with it. It is as easy as that. Again, you will find people… don’t you employ Mike Dean, is he working for Sky?
“Congratulations, that’s a great appointment by the way. He will find something and all the others as well. It’s a penalty for all football people on the planet. It’s a penalty. If you think it’s not one then maybe you’re not a football fan.”
Dean was on co-commentary during the match and felt Doku was lucky not to have been penalised. “He’s very, very fortunate in my opinion there, Doku,” he said.
Dean is a frequent fixture on Sky Sports weekend programme Soccer Saturday and was asked about Klopp’s post-match comments this afternoon.
Host Simon Thomas said to Dean: “You got a bit of a mention by Klopp post match”. The former official replied: “Sarcastically yeah, but fair enough."