Qudus SalihuIn an eye-opening interview that has sent shockwaves through the Premier League, former top-flight official Mike Dean has rubbished a critical VAR decision, sensationally claiming that Everton were “cheated” during their high-stakes 1-0 loss to Arsenal on December 20, 2025. The comments follow a controversial night at the Hill Dickinson Stadium where the Toffees were denied what many believe was a blatant second-half penalty.
The incident occurred just before the hour mark when Everton’s Thierno Barry appeared to be cleaned out by William Saliba. While Saliba swung for the ball, he seemingly caught the underside of Barry’s foot, sending the striker to the turf. Referee Sam Barrott waved play away, and despite a VAR review, the on-field decision stood, with officials deeming the contact “insufficient.”
Speaking on Sky Sports immediately after the match, Dean was uncharacteristically blunt. “I’ve sat in that VAR room, and I’m telling you now, Everton have been cheated here,” Dean fumed. “Saliba misses the ball completely and kicks through Barry. To say the contact isn’t sufficient is total nonsense. They’ve looked for a reason not to give it rather than looking at the reality of the foul.”
The “cheated” claim has sent Everton fans into a frenzy, especially as the result saw Arsenal return to the top of the table via a Viktor Gyokeres penalty—ironically awarded after a VAR check for a Jake O’Brien handball. Social media erupted with supporters calling for accountability, with many echoing Dean’s sentiment that the consistency of officiating has reached a breaking point.
Everton, currently battling under the pressure of a tight table, feel the decision fundamentally changed the course of their season. With Mike Dean breaking the “referee’s union” code to call out the error so publicly, PGMOL is facing a massive PR crisis as fans demand to know why such a clear-cut foul was overlooked in the heat of a title and relegation race.
Rabiu Aminu
Qudus Salihu
Mustapha Sheidu