Mike Dean reacts to Ashley Young red card in Everton v Brighton. Credit: Sky Sports via YouTube
Mike Dean reacts to Ashley Young red card in Everton v Brighton. Credit: Sky Sports via YouTube

Mike Dean shares one-word verdict on Ashley Young red card in Everton defeat v Brighton

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on

Mike Dean has shared his verdict on Ashley Young's red card as Everton were condemned to a 3-0 defeat by Brighton on Saturday (17 August).

The 39-year-old was shown a straight red card by Simon Hooper after pulling Kaou Mitoma back in a dangerous position, leaving the referee with no other choice but to send him off.

His sending-off sees him become the oldest player to receive a red card in Premier League history [BBC Sport], with the Toffees tasting defeat in their opening match of the new campaign at Goodison Park.

Asked by Sue Smith what he thought of the decision live on Sky Sports on Saturday (17 August, 4:27pm), Dean simply replied: "Easy."

Ashley Young disappoints Everton fans in Brighton defeat

Following a rather positive pre-season for Sean Dyche and his team, Evertonians would have been quietly confident heading into the new campaign with a plethora of exciting new faces in the squad.

However, those hopes have been promptly popped at Goodison Park after an opening day 3-0 defeat to Fabian Hurzeler's new-look Seagulls, totally capitulating in front of the home crowd.

Young will need to take a long, hard look at himself after letting his teammates down, though the Toffees still should have been able to hold out a lot better after going down to 10 men after 66 minutes.

Mitoma is one of the trickiest wingers in the Premier League, and going up against players like him was one of the main worries about Young being the starting right-back heading into the new season.

Everton Ashley Young
Ashley Young was a regular for Everton in the 2023/24 season

The 39-year-old, in addition to Seamus Coleman, 35, will not be adding any assurance in the position, especially when it comes to injuries, but it does not look very likely that a new full-back will be signed before the transfer window closes.

With a clash against Tottenham up next, Dyche and his team have plenty to work on.

For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

www.goodisonnews.com