Mike Dean believes Brentford’s Christian Norgaard fully deserved his red card during the 0-0 draw with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Danish midfielder was sent off after a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Jordan Pickford in the first half.
The dismissal left Brentford down to 10 men for the entire second half, but Everton failed to capitalise, creating few clear chances in a frustrating performance.
Speaking live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday [23 November, 15:42], Dean analysed the incident as the footage was shown in the studio.
“He’s slipped but he’s caught Pickford, full studs just below the knee,” Dean said.
“It has to be a red card. It’s unlucky to see in real-time, but it has to be referred to VAR, has to have a look at it and 100 per cent a red card.”
The challenge sparked controversy, but Dean’s view reflects the modern game’s strict approach to player safety. Intent was irrelevant; Norgaard’s high studs endangered an opponent, which is all the referee needed to see.
Pickford, fortunately, avoided injury and continued to play a key role, including a stunning save to deny Yoane Wissa. However, Everton’s inability to break through against a depleted Brentford side left manager Sean Dyche under renewed pressure.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin once again drew criticism for his lack of impact in front of goal, but the broader issue is Everton’s lack of attacking inspiration. Few others stepped up, and the Toffees wasted a golden opportunity to claim three crucial points.
Everton fans have been vocal about decisions going against them this season, but when fortune finally swung their way, the team failed to make it count.
The result leaves serious questions over whether Dyche can turn things around in a campaign where performances, like Saturday’s, simply haven’t been good enough.
