Mike Dean reacts to controversial Everton incident v Ipswich Town live on Sky Sports

Mike Dean has reacted after a controversial incident in the showdown between Everton and Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

The Toffees picked up their second victory of the Premier League season with a 2-0 win over the Tractor Boys on Saturday (19 October) thanks to goals from Iliman Ndiye and Michael Keane.

Ipswich were awarded a penalty midway through the first half when Dwight McNeil was adjudged to have fouled Jack Clarke in the box, but both Dean and the video assistant referee agreed it wasn’t enough for a foul.

Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (19 October, 15:43) he said: “Everton have had two that have been given against them or overturned, but this one looks exactly the same.

“It looks like Clarke has kicked the back of McNeil’s leg and he’s gone down. I don’t think it’s a penalty kick in my opinion.

“I think he’s kicked the back of his leg. Just because his foot is there, if he kicks the back of his leg it’s not going to be a foul.”

Should Ipswich have had a penalty in Everton showdown v Ipswich Town at Portman Road?

It is about time Everton had a little bit of luck when it comes to these sorts of contentious decisions, particularly in the penalty area.

It is not a secret that Sean Dyche was beginning to grow frustrated with the officials and VAR before the October international break, with the suggestion being the Blues boss didn’t expect any 50-50 calls to go the Toffees’ way.

But for once, it seems as though common sense prevailed. McNeil was well within his rights to compete for that ball and he shouldn’t be punished for Clarke accidentally kicking his standing leg, even if it did prevent him from getting his shot away.

Hopefully, the international break has given the officials a bit of time to rethink what should and shouldn’t be a penalty. As long as the threshold remains consistent for the foreseeable future, neither Dyche nor the Everton supporters will have any complaints.