Dean set for BBC bow as Burnley host Wolves

The scramble for European places hots up with a huge clash between Burnley and Wolves at Turf Moor, but the man in the middle could steal the show.

At 6pm on Wednesday evening, Mike Dean takes charge of his 508^th Premier League match, live on the BBC for the first time.

Only eight players have made more appearances in the competition than the famous referee, who turned 52 at the start of the month.

He’s still at the top of his game though, entertaining crowds as consistently as any star striker or playmaker, shining for the cameras and breaking records.

A decision from Dean in this match, such as his 167^th penalty or 105^th red card in the top flight, could make all the difference, as it’s likely to be a tight contest between two teams jostling for position in the top half of the table.

Wolves currently sit sixth in what is currently the last Europa League spot, pending the outcome of this season’s FA Cup, whilst tenth place Burnley’s dreams of another European adventure are still alive as they sit just five points behind their visitors.

Sean Dyche’s tough side ended Liverpool’s perfect home record last time out, as England goalkeeper Nick Pope put in an inspired performance to earn them a highly creditable 1-1 draw.

Jay Rodriguez equaliser snapped the champions’ run of 24 straight league wins at Anfield, but the battling Clarets could’ve won it when Jóhann Gudmundsson hit the crossbar late on.

It also extended Burnley’s record since mid-January to just one defeat in 13 matches, that was a 5-0 defeat at Manchester City. It is also a run which includes seven wins.

Wolves meanwhile, eased to a 3-0 win against Everton at Molineux on Sunday, to move them up to sixth having lost their previous two.

A Raúl Jiménez spot-kick, followed by goals from Leander Dendoncker and Diogo Jota in the second half, gained boss Nuno Espírito Santo a valuable three points

Both sides have managed to avoid the most significant VAR controversies since returning from lockdown and it’s also been a long time since either picked up a red card.

Burnley have gone a remarkable 52 league games without a sending off, the last was when Robbie Brady received a straight red in the last minute of their 2-1 win at Huddersfield on January 2 2019.

Wolves have been reduced to ten men twice this season, but both Willy Boly and Romain Saiss’ second yellow cards (at Goodison Park and Selhurst Park respectively) were back in September.

They earned a dramatic 1-1 draw thanks to a 97^th minute Jiménez penalty in the reverse fixture at Molineux though, offering viewers hope of a magical Mike Dean moment.

Dean also issued his last red card, his 104^th in the Premier League, in a Wolves match.

Leicester’s Hamza Choudhury was given his marching orders in a goalless draw at Molineux, becoming the fifth Wolves opponent to be dismissed this season.

No other referee has brandished more than 66 red cards (Phil Dowd), whilst Martin Atkinson – three years Dean’s junior – has the next most among active officials, showing 62.

And with a lockdown beard being the only real treat offered to his fans since the coronavirus suspension, it feels like the spotlight of a live BBC audience could produce an overdue man of the match performance from the ostentatious official.

Dean has also shown a remarkable 1881 cautions during his Premier League career, going from the man in black that everyone loves to hate, to one many fans genuinely enjoy watching – as long as their own team isn’t playing.

The showman made a slow start to his top flight career though, with his first game – Leicester 1-0 Southampton – not even producing a single booking.

Football connoisseurs had to wait until his 15^th Premier League game for both his first sending off (Nolberto Solano) and spot-kick though, as Ipswich triumphed with the game’s only goal at home to Newcastle.

It goes without saying that Dean is very, very good at his job; you don’t have a twenty-year career at the elite level of your profession if you’re not.

But it’s the touch of drama, the sprinkling of theatre – typically unnecessary, but always amusing – that mean he’ll be missed when he blows his final whistle.

From nonchalant no-look bookings, silky dummies and goal celebrations to a range of facial expressions and gestures that would be more at home on a Shakespearian stage, broadcasters know he’s always ready to embrace the limelight.

His next appointment, a primetime debut on our national broadcaster, could also serve as the perfect audition for a stint on Strictly Come Dancing or in the Match of the Day studio upon retirement.                                                                                                                   

Mike Dean will take charge of Burnley versus Wolves at 18:00, 15^th July, live on the BBC.

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