Mike Dean has been selected as the referee for Sunday’s North London derby against Tottenham.
The official has been a controversial figure after footage has shown him apparently celebrating when Spurs have scored in matches versus Arsenal and Aston Villa.
Needless to say, Gunners fans on Twitter were not best pleased by the appointment:
Xhaka is off in the first half then ??
— Sam Maynard (@SamMaynard20) 27 November 2018
Terrible news. Last time Wenger called Mike Dean a fraud
— Reginald Ohiri (@ReginaldOhiri) 27 November 2018
Why always us?
— Ronnsky Duncan (@MrRonnsky) 27 November 2018
I can’t wait for the day this guy retires
— David Santos (@davidsnvs) 27 November 2018
I hate life. They do this on purpose.
— Arsenal77 ＼(^o^)／ (@_smoon) 27 November 2018
What a stage for Mike to make it all about Mike.
— Brian Downey (@briandowney87) 27 November 2018
That's Xhaka sent off.
— Kingslayer_? (@Imran_miahh) 27 November 2018
Anthony Taylor shud've taken this game, i dont trust this Dude
— Skhumbuzo Nxumalo (@bhabha1203) 28 November 2018
How the hell has mike dean got let another NLD?!?!?!?
— craig long (@craig101long) 28 November 2018
You can not be serious
— Darek Wielgosz (@16DaRo16) 27 November 2018
Dean has also been criticised for poor decision making in the past and was demoted due to a series of errors in 2017.
However, he has since returned to officiating in the top flight, and Arsenal supporters will be hoping they are not a victim of any questionable decisions.
Unai Emery’s side are currently on a 17 match unbeaten run after their 2-1 win over Bournemouth. Spurs, meanwhile, have made their best ever start to a season, sitting three points ahead of the Gunners going into Sunday’s clash.
Arsenal will go above their rivals on goal difference if they win at the weekend.
