Mike Dean criticised officials after Nilson Angulo avoided punishment for a flashpoint with Bruno Fernandes

Mike Dean delivered a blunt assessment of the officials after Nilson Angulo avoided punishment for a late incident involving Bruno Fernandes during Sunderland’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United.

The flashpoint came in the closing stages at the Stadium of Light, with Fernandes left furious after appearing to be caught in the face by Angulo as the Sunderland winger tracked back. The Manchester United captain made his frustration clear, but no card was shown, and VAR did not advise referee Stuart Attwell to review the incident on the pitch.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Paul Merson felt Angulo had taken a major risk. He said: “Fernandes gets the ball, he’s got his head up and goes to play it. Angulo, who’s come on, is running back, and as he’s running back, he just gives him a little elbow in the face. It’s not major contact, but he’s meant to do it. I think this could be a red card.”

Dean initially suggested the level of force may have counted in Angulo’s favour, but admitted he could not understand why the Sunderland substitute had put himself in that position. “There’s not a lot of force in it, but I don’t understand why the player would run back and put his arm in and just put himself at risk,” he said. “I’m not sure what’s happening - they’ve obviously had a look at it; they’re not doing anything, they’ve just had a chat with Fernandes and check complete. You run the risk with VAR, that could have gone either way.”

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When Merson pointed out that Angulo had not even been booked, Dean replied: “Well, it’s May, isn’t it?” Presenter Simon Thomas quickly challenged that comment, asking why the time of year should matter when officials still had a job to do. Dean then expanded on his frustration, insisting referees were failing to make decisive calls in key moments.

Dean added: “I’m just annoyed about decisions in games where they’re just not making decisions. Fulham’s a prime example today. Just a poor performance on the pitch. They’re just not making decisions on the pitch. Joking apart, May or not - that’s an easy decision to make. We’ve had a penalty shout five minutes before with Man United, that could have gone either way, a challenge in another game, they’re just not making decisions, and I don’t know why that is.”

Dean went further, claiming referees had become reluctant to make major calls such as red cards. They’re going to have to [address it], because it’s just not good enough. We were talking earlier off-air about it, it’s easier to go red, make a big and brave decision and go red card, and everybody’s happy if they stay on-field because it’s a good decision. I think they’re just scared of going red, they’re just petrified.”

The incident came during a tense finish on Wearside, with Sunderland pushing for a winner and Manchester United also having a late opportunity before Matheus Cunha was booked for simulation. The game finished goalless, with Sunderland left to reflect on a strong performance and several missed chances against the Champions League-bound visitors.

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