Mike Dean has supported the decision to give Southampton’s Jan Bednarek a yellow card in their 1-0 Premier League win over Everton.
The Poland international received the booking after pulling down Beto on November 2, with VAR upholding the call despite Beto’s advance into the final third.
Just moments after the disputed decision, Adam Armstrong capitalised, scoring the game’s only goal to secure all three points for Southampton at St Mary’s.
Reacting live on Sky Sports after the incident, Dean shared his immediate thoughts on the decision.
“At first glance, I went straight away yellow card,” he remarked.
“Looking at another angle, it’s a fifty-fifty call, so with it being a fifty-fifty call, referee’s call all day. There is too much doubt involved, so a yellow card is the right decision.”
For Everton, it was yet another afternoon filled with frustration and controversy. Following the yellow card, Beto seemed to score a stunning equaliser after receiving a long ball from Jordan Pickford.
However, a lengthy VAR check ultimately ruled the goal offside, deepening Everton’s misfortune.
Everton manager Sean Dyche is unlikely to be pleased, and fans are equally frustrated with the team’s performance. Their struggles were evident, especially as the tactics fell flat not only against Fulham but looked even worse here.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s form has been disappointing, and with Beto impressing in his limited minutes, he could be pushing for a starting role soon.
Despite the disputed red card and VAR-reviewed goal, Everton’s issues run deeper against a side that had been winless for over two months.