Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has had his say on the controversial Norwich City goal vs Derby County.
Derby County were unable to maintain their winning streak at Pride Park, which they were looking to stretch to four in a row this season as they lost 3-2.
Whilst the showing from Paul Warne’s side was by no means a disappointment as they defended very well at times under the pressure from the visitors, they went into the break behind, courtesy of a goal from Norwich City star Borja Sainz, who was set up by Josh Sargent.
However, the goal has sparked plenty of controversy, and it has even brought in the verdict of former Premier League referee Mike Dean, who showed his clear feelings towards the decision.
Whilst Derby County put in a much improved 2nd half showing, they were unable to come away with a win, leaving the decision in the build up to the Norwich City goal as the pivotal moment in the game.
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Mike Dean on Norwich City goal vs Derby County
Norwich City managed to get themselves ahead by a goal following an exquisite finish from Sainz with a back heel that beat Jacob Widell Zetterstrom in-between the sticks for Derby County.
However, the Rams will most certainly feel hard done by as a result of the ball looking to have clearly gone over the touchline.
Former Premier League referee Dean has even had his say on the matter, where he said on Sky Sports at 1:21pm: “It’s out by at least half a yard. Unfortunately, no VAR. They can’t check the line for the ball.
“It’s definitely out by a good half-a-yard, shouldn’t have been allowed.”
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Poor officiating decision will leave Paul Warne hard done by
When looking at the replay of the goal, there is no doubt that the ball wasn’t kept in by Norwich City striker Josh Sargent, and it is clear that this moment was crucial as Derby County eventually lost out to the visitors.
Whilst Derby County weren’t deserving of a lead going into the break following their first half showing, which saw them often on the back front against Norwich City, they by no means deserved to go into the break down after such a poor officiating decision.
Such a decision could have a massive effect on the Rams’ season, with it ending a winning run at Pride Park, and that could easily disrupt the optimism and composure in and amongst the ranks at Derby County.
With Norwich City arguably having more talent on paper, Warne’s side were doing very well in the opening 45 on the defensive side by matching the likes of Sainz and Sargent, and it took what should have been a disallowed goal for them to link up and put their side in the lead.