‘Bit over the top’ – Mike Dean reacts to Everton v Sheff Utd controversy live on Soccer Saturday

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has shared his thoughts on the controversy during the Everton vs Sheffield United match, calling Jack Robinson’s reaction “over the top”.

During the first half, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was judged to have fouled Robinson, leading to a furious reaction from the Sheffield United defender. Both players received yellow cards after a coming together between the teams.

On Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, Dean said: “He’s given the free-kick to Sheffield United, Calvert-Lewin’s just nudged him with his elbow, nothing major, but the reaction’s a bit over the top. They had the free-kick anyway, so two yellow cards, unfortunately.”

The incident was deemed “a little soft” by many, and the Goodison Park crowd was left frustrated when Calvert-Lewin received a yellow card. While a free-kick would have been acceptable, Robinson’s overreaction led to both players being booked, which was deemed “hugely frustrating and entirely avoidable”.

Despite the controversy, Dean’s assessment aligns with many fans’ views – the reaction was indeed “over the top”.