Mike Dean supports yellow card decision for Ola Aina

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has supported the officiating decision to issue a yellow card rather than a red card to Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina during a match against Leeds United.

The incident involved a lunging tackle by the Nigerian international on James Justin. While the challenge sparked debate regarding a potential penalty and dismissal, the on-field referee and VAR determined that a yellow card was the appropriate punishment.

Dean explained his assessment on Sky Sports News, stating, “I think because he is low, he has missed the ball completely and his back leg has just caught the other guy. I don’t think it is a sending off.” He characterized the tackle as low and reckless but argued it did not meet the threshold for a dismissal.