Mike Dean Slams Darren England and VAR Over ‘Obvious’ Miss in Leeds vs Man United

Mike Dean Slams Darren England and VAR Over ‘Obvious’ Miss in Leeds vs Man United

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has strongly criticised Darren England and the VAR team after a controversial non-decision in Leeds United’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Elland Road.

In the 63rd minute, with the score level following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s equaliser, Leeds won a corner. As the ball came in, Harry Maguire appeared to drag Ethan Ampadu to the ground inside the penalty area. Ampadu immediately appealed for a spot-kick, but England waved play on and VAR, operated by Peter Bankes, quickly confirmed the on-field decision without recommending a review.

Dean, speaking in his capacity as a pundit, labelled the incident an “obvious penalty” that should have prompted England to be called to the monitor. “It’s a clear pull-down. Maguire has hold of Ampadu and brings him down. There’s no real attempt to play the ball. In the modern game, that has to be a penalty,” Dean said. “VAR is there for clear and obvious errors. This was one. They should have intervened and sent the referee back.”

The moment came shortly after Leeds had levelled through Calvert-Lewin from a similar set-piece situation involving contact involving Ampadu and Maguire. Replays showed Maguire’s arm around the Leeds captain as both contested the aerial ball, with Ampadu ending up on the floor.

Leeds fans and some neutrals were left frustrated, echoing long-standing complaints about consistency in physical battles at set pieces. Manchester United, meanwhile, escaped further pressure in a match that extended their winless Premier League run.

England’s overall performance drew mixed views, with earlier decisions on bookings also under the spotlight. Dean’s intervention adds to the scrutiny on Premier League officiating standards, particularly around holding offences in the box that often divide opinion.

The point leaves Leeds seventh and United 13th, with both sides still searching for consistency this season.