Fans blast ex-referee Mike Dean for criticising Kalvin Phillips' effort levels

Fans have jumped on the back of former referee Mike Dean, after he was seen giving his opinion on players' performance rather than observing decisions from officials.

Dean was once again part of the panel for Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday yesterday, reprising his usual role as part of the team watching the day's fixtures.

However, whilst commenting on Kalvin Phillips' sending off for West Ham in their 2-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest, Dean extended his view by sharing his opinion of the England midfielder's overall performance.

After describing what had happened to see Phillips receive his second yellow card, Dean went on to blast the Hammers loanee by stating; 'He's wasting his time playing, he just doesn't even look interested'.

His comments weren't well received on social media by fans, who hit out at the former Premier League ref for airing his views on players rather than the officials and their decisions.

'Are we having Mike Dean as a pundit now then?' One fan posted. While another said; 'When the hell did we get ex referees to commentate on games? It's getting ridiculous now, come on English Premier Leagues about to become a joke.'

Others pointed the blame on Sky Sports, with a fan stating; 'Bottom of the barrel now for Sky? Who cares about his opinion on players? Stop glamorising this nonsense?'

Another stuck the boot in on the channel by declaring; 'Is Mike Dean on the show to give footballing opinions? Sky Sports has really gone down the pan.'

However, there was even less love for Dean, with one post really not appreciating hearing the 55-year-old's views.

They posted; 'I know I shouldn’t let Mike Dean bother me this much - BUT - it’s one thing going to this fool for his take on refereeing decisions (he will just always agree with what the ref has done), but now he’s criticising player’s effort levels? Who the hell is he to do that?'

Dean has been a regular member of the Soccer Saturday show this season, where he is tasked with commenting on referee's decisions and aiding in explaining the rules behind them.

Earlier this season he was involved in a heated exchange with former Arsenal star Paul Merson, as the pair argued over the infamous offside call in Liverpool's defeat to Spurs in October.

Dean had formally been a Premier League referee form twelve years, before retiring at the end of the 2021-22 season, and has since embarked on a media career.