Mike Dean revelation must be watershed moment that Everton and Liverpool fans can agree on
"I didn’t want to send him up because he is a mate as well as a referee."
Worrying words from former Premier League referee Mike Dean, who was explaining his decision not to intervene in a controversial on-field decision last season, while operating VAR.
Indeed, Everton and Liverpool already have had a rocky relationship with the Video Assistant Referee. Jurgen Klopp's side were at the centre of controversy just last weekend, when Alexis Mac Allister was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Ryan Christie.
Paul Tierney and Constantine Hatzidakis were in position at Stockley Park but curiously decided against sending Thomas Bramall to the pitchside monitor. Liverpool were forced to weather pressure from Bournemouth for the remaining 32 minutes to win the game - the Argentine's suspension was eventually overturned by the Football Association.
A week earlier, Everton were left incensed on the opening day after Stuart Attwell adjudged James Tarkowski to have fouled Bernd Leno in the build-up to Michael Keane's goal against Fulham. The Cottagers would go on to win by a single goal at Goodison Park.
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These two decisions are just from this season alone, but it's nothing new for Everton, Liverpool or Premier League clubs since the introduction of VAR in 2019/20.
Indeed, since it was introduced, the technology has received frequent criticism. From the time taken to come to a decision to the correct call not being made at all.
Match officials are increasingly criticised for their decision-making in high-stakes Premier League encounters. There have since
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