West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has spoken out against the abuse received by referee Mike Dean following Saturday’s Premier League clash with Fulham.
Dean has asked not to officiate any top-flight matches this weekend after receiving death threats in the aftermath of sending off Soucek in the goalless draw at Craven Cottage.
The decision to dismiss the Czech Republic international for accidentally catching Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic in the face with an elbow came after Dean was referred to the monitor by VAR official Lee Mason and watched the incident a number of times before producing a straight red card.
The decision was widely panned and West Ham quickly appealed, with Soucek’s suspension rescinded on Monday ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
And while Soucek is no doubt glad to be available for that match, he condemned the abuse and death threats sent to Dean on social media.
“Whatever decisions are made on the pitch should stay on the pitch,” he tweeted.
“I don’t like hearing about it interfering with personal life and I send Mike Dean and his family my support.
“There is no place for abuse of any kind. It is in the past and I’m now focused on the rest of the season.”
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