Mike Dean's decision to award Manchester City a penalty in the 42nd minute sparked vehement protests from the visitors. Dean gave the spot-kick after United full back Rafael tugged Craig Bellamy’s shirt as the City attacker attempted to go past his man. If there is a foul on an attacker which starts outside the penalty area and continues inside then a penalty should be awarded. If the foul is committed outside the area and the player falls inside the box then a free-kick outside is correct. If there are two fouls, one outside and one inside then the referee, who has played advantage after the first offence, should award a penalty. Dean thought that last scenario occurred last night and therefore awarded a penalty, which Carlos Tevez clinically converted. I struggled to see the second foul inside the area but Dean clearly felt otherwise as he explained his decision to the furious United players.
Graham Poll (former FIFA referee)
Subject: Dean was wrong to award City's penalty 
Wed Jan 20, 2010 7:37 pm
