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How many former footballers does it take to understand a refereeing decision?
More than one in Gary Neville's case, it seems, after the ex-Manchester United and England defender struggled to wrap his head around Diogo Dalot's dismissal at Anfield. And even Mike Dean's succinct breakdown couldn't make sense of the matter for the Sky Sports regular.
Dalot, 24, was shown two yellow cards back-to-back in the dying minutes of Sunday's 0-0 draw between United and Liverpool. The full-back was cautioned for dissent after a throw-in decision went against him, only to continue his protests and receive a second yellow from referee Michael Oliver in less than 30 seconds.
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Neville, 48, wasn't at all pleased with the call and asked: "Dissent twice, what does that mean?" To which former Premier League official Dean responded: "It means he’s done it twice, Gary."
The quick retort went down well with fans as one social media user gushed: "Mike Dean's one liner was the highlight of the game." Another hailed Sky Sports' in-studio officiating expert as "Man of the Match."
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Dean, 55, retired from refereeing before landing a spot on the new-look Soccer Saturday line-up at the end of last season. And he's since escalated his role with the broadcaster after lending his voice during game broadcasts, offering pearls of wisdom like those heard on Sunday.
Opinions were split as to whether Dalot deserved a second yellow for his outburst at Oliver, with the player admittedly very animated in his rebuttal. Provided the red stands, it means he'll now miss Saturday's trip to West Ham as United chase a much-needed return to winning ways.
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The dismissal will come as no laughing matter to Erik ten Hag, however, who is already operating with something of a skeleton crew at present. Bruno Fernandes missed Sunday's draw through suspension, and compatriot Dalot will now take his turn on the sidelines, with the likes of Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Harry Maguire already out injured.
- Gary Neville
- Manchester United FC
- Liverpool FC
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