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PAUL MERSON prompted Mike Dean to admit on air that he made a SIGNIFICANT ERROR during the Tottenham vs. Chelsea match at Stamford Bridge two years ago.
In that match, Spurs defender Cristian Romero remarkably escaped a red card for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair in a 2-2 draw.
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Surprisingly, both Dean and the video assistant referee deemed the hair pull insufficient to warrant sending off the Argentine defender.
However, on Tuesday evening, Dean had to concede his error after observing Cucurella being brought down by Jack Stephens during Chelsea’s 5-1 win against Southampton.
While on Sky Sports’ Soccer Special, the retired referee commented: “Unfortunately, I was involved in a similar incident around three years ago.
“I think it was Romero who pulled Cucurella’s hair. I failed to send him off.”
He went on to discuss Stephens’ red card: “But he’s clearly done it, and he has to be sent off. That’s his second red card this season.
“It absolutely has to be a sending off, there’s no question about it.”
His analysis of Stephens’ reckless actions triggered a pointed question from Chelsea supporter Merson.
He candidly inquired: “But why wasn’t the Cucurella incident treated the same?”
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Chelsea player ratings vs Southampton
CHELSEA continued their remarkable form with a commanding 5-1 victory over Southampton at St Mary’s.
Here’s how the players were rated…
FILIP JORGENSEN – 8
Made an incredible save in the first two minutes against Joe Aribo’s close-range attempt.
Also executed a brilliant stop in the second half. Many Chelsea fans are now calling for him to become the club’s starting goalkeeper.
MALO GUSTO – 7
Outperformed every other Chelsea player in duels and tackles throughout the first half. Provided an outstanding assist for Sancho’s goal.
AXEL DISASI – 7
Opened the scoring for Chelsea with a simple header from Fernandez’s corner.
TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5
Seemed to lose concentration when Southampton scored, nearly leaving Aribo unmarked.
Came close to scoring with a powerful shot that hit the post in the second half.
MARC CUCURELLA – 6
Frustrated Southampton fans by going down after a hair pull from Jack Stephens that resulted in a red card. Showcased a solid performance both in acting and actual play.
MOISES CAICEDO – 7
Delivered several excellent forward passes, including a stunning trivela assist to Felix in the box that nearly led to a brilliant team goal.
ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6
Provided the corner that set up Disasi’s opening goal but was largely outplayed by Kyle Walker-Peters, which led to Aribo’s equaliser.
NONI MADUEKE – 7
Capitalised on a mistake by Joe Lumley before assisting Nkunku. Scored Chelsea’s third with a composed finish into the bottom-left corner.
Missed several chances in the second half.
COLE PALMER – 7
Had a quiet match until he seized on Nkunku’s attempted pass/shot to score Chelsea’s fourth. He was substituted immediately after finding the net.
JOAO FELIX – 6
Exhibited good energy throughout but squandered a great opportunity late in the first half and another clear header right after the break.
CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 7
Gave Chelsea an early lead with a simple shot in the opening match. Other than that, had a relatively quiet day.
SUBSTITUTES
JADON SANCHO (FOR MADUEKE, 72)
Scored his first goal for Chelsea shortly after his introduction for Madueke.
RENATO VEIGA (FOR CUCURELLA, 79)
Didn’t have much opportunity to influence the match, particularly with Chelsea dominating the play.
KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (FOR PALMER, 79)
Had little chance to make a significant impact on the game.
Dean quickly replied to the former midfielder, saying: “Because I got it wrong. And he (Stephens) has been sent off.”
This dialogue gained momentum and stirred frustration among Chelsea supporters.
Fans baffled as Paul Merson ‘dresses like a lemon’ for Sky Sports Soccer Saturday return… but there’s a reason for it
One fan commented on X: “You can’t make this up.”
Another stated: “You can’t write this s**t.”
And one added: “He really has no shame.”
Another remarked: “Shameless, Mike Dean.
One supporter also expressed: “So glad Paul Merson was present to call him out.”
Chelsea dominated the troubled Saints with a 5-1 victory, narrowing the gap to league leaders Liverpool to seven points.
The Blues are scheduled to return to the pitch on Sunday afternoon against Spurs across London.
