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This Mike Dean Compilation Is Exactly What We Need

This Mike Dean Compilation Is Exactly What We Need

The Premier League kicks off on Wednesday but the headline act returns on Sunday, when Mike Dean referees the Merseyside derby.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Mike Dean has been named as the referee for Sunday's Merseyside derby, and that's officially when the Premier League really gets back underway.

Every football fan who can will be tuning in on Wednesday evening at 6pm to watch Aston Villa vs Sheffield United but, no offence to the two sides who have a lot to play for, there's some bigger events to come.

On Sunday, depending on results, Liverpool could be named champions of England for the first time in 30 years. But the most exciting part of the weekend's derby against Everton is likely to be the referee.

Watching Dean is like watching performance art, with his outstanding showing of cards and wonderful way he tells players to go away. And with no one in the crowd we'll be able to hear him perfectly.

Dean became the first referee in the Premier League to reach 100 red cards last year, when he dismissed Manchester United's Ashley Young against Wolves.

This season the official has given four red cards in 22 games, although he's yet to give marching orders to a player for Jurgen Klopp's team or Carlo Ancelotti's side.

He did referee the first Merseyside derby of the season, with the would-be champions beating their local rivals 5-2.

The 52-year-old won't have far to travel to Goodison Park as he is from the Wirral but they'll be no bias towards either club from Merseyside as he's well known to be a Tranmere Rovers fan.

He was spotted in the crowd at Tranmere's play-off games last year and, speaking to BBC Sport, revealed he has been known to sing abuse at the referee when watching a game.

The return of the Premier League means the return of Mike Dean. Image: PA Images
The return of the Premier League means the return of Mike Dean. Image: PA Images

Liverpool will know by Sunday whether or not they'll be crowned champions with a win by the end of play on Wednesday after Manchester City face Arsenal.

If Pep Guardiola's team lose at home to the Gunners' then a win on Sunday for the Reds' will be enough for their first ever Premier League title.

Should they fail to beat Everton, or City beat Arsenal, then the reigning champions game against Burnley on Monday would be the next opportunity for Liverpool to be crowned.

Will Dean be the man to blow the final whistle to confirm Liverpool as champions or will they have to wait?

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Manchester City, Liverpool, Football News, Merseyside derby, Carlo Ancelotti, Referees, Mike Dean, Premier League, Everton, Jurgen Klopp, Arsenal

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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@Sidler28