West Ham fans will be delighted with the news that Mike Dean’s controversial red card against Tomas Soucek has been rescinded – but there is a further twist in the tale.
News emerged according to reports in The Sun that claim that Mike Dean was informed by his overseers at the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) that his decision was made in error.
In a far uglier development, Mike Dean has since requested he be reprieved of his officiating duties this weekend following a torrid wave of online abuse and death threats from aggrieved football fans.
The abuse comes in the wake of both Soucek’s red card and another controversial sending-off in Southampton’s midweek 9-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United.
With Soucek’s card rescinded, he will be eligible to face Manchester United in tomorrow’s clash in the FA Cup.
Soucek would ordinarily have also missed out on crucial league clashes with Sheffield United and arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur
A statement from the FA [via The Sun] read:
“Tomas Soucek will be available for West Ham United FC’s next three fixtures following a successful claim of wrongful dismissal.
“The midfielder was sent off during a Premier League fixture against Fulham FC on Saturday for violent conduct.”
Soucek tweeted in response to the decision:
“I am glad my red card against Fulham has been overturned.
“I’ve checked it, I’ve gone over 200 games without a single red card. My entire career.
“I am looking forward to helping the team in the important games this week! Thanks for your support!”
Read West Ham Verdict
Just as there is jubilation over the rightful decision being made to rescind Soucek’s red card, certain football fans should hang their heads in shame over the malignant repugnancy shown towards Mike Dean.
It is a regrettable mistake, but few would seriously contest anything greater should be made of Dean’s error.
