Fans left furious after hearing what Mike Dean said on commentary during Arsenal vs Chelsea

The clash between Arsenal and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was marked by an early moment of controversy involving Chelsea’s Levi Colwill and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. As Raya attempted a quick goal kick to launch a counterattack, Colwill stepped in front and appeared to intentionally block Raya, causing him to trip. Surprisingly, the referee opted not to issue a yellow card, a decision that left commentators like Gary Neville and fans questioning the consistency of officiating.

Gary Neville, who was providing live commentary, expressed his disbelief, pointing out that Colwill’s action was clearly an attempt to delay the restart. When former referee Mike Dean, now part of the commentary team, explained the decision, he stated that in his experience, the first infraction was often just a warning rather than a booking. He added, “I know it sounds daft when you say free but the first one always a good talking to for the player who committed the offence and the second time you would have to penalise.”

Neville, visibly puzzled, pressed Dean further, questioning whether this leniency is actually supported by the official rules. Fans on social media echoed Neville’s frustration, pointing out that the inconsistency in such decisions can impact the flow and fairness of the game. Many argued that a yellow card should have been issued given the obvious nature of the offense, while some criticized Dean’s commentary, feeling it lacked accountability and clarity.

The moment added fuel to the ongoing debate over officiating standards in the Premier League, with some fans calling for stricter enforcement of rules and others suggesting that former referees like Dean should avoid commentary roles if their interpretations only add to the confusion. This incident is yet another reminder of the need for consistency in officiating, especially in high-stakes matches.