Mike Dean Admits VAR Error on Hair Pull

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has publicly acknowledged a significant error he made during a 2022 match between Tottenham and Chelsea, where he failed to send off Spurs defender Cristian Romero for pulling Marc Cucurella's hair. Dean, who was on VAR duty during the game, admitted that Romero's actions warranted a red card, especially in light of a similar incident involving Southampton's Jack Stephens, who was recently dismissed for hair-pulling against Cucurella. Dean expressed regret during a Sky Sports panel discussion, stating, 'I got it wrong' regarding Romero's non-dismissal. The incident was pivotal as it allowed Tottenham to equalize in stoppage time, leading to further tensions between the teams. Stephens, now facing a lengthy suspension, had previously been sent off for a foul against Manchester United, highlighting Southampton’s struggles this season. Manager Russell Martin remains hopeful despite the team's position at the bottom of the league.