LEADING referee Mike Dean blasted whistler Sunny Singh Gill as “bang out of order” – for signing AUTOGRAPHS at half-time on his historic Premier League debut.
Gill, 39, became the top-flight’s first-ever British South Asian ref in Crystal Palace’s 1-1 home draw with Luton on Saturday.
Referee Sunny Singh Gill sparked controversy by signing autographs
GettyGill made history at Selhurst Park in the Prem over the weekend[/caption]
Top ref Mike Dean was staggered by what he saw as a pundit for Sky Sports
But he raised eyebrows with his actions during the break as he stopped to scribble his name for admirers.
Many fans reacted with shock – as did former long-serving Prem ref and current VAR Dean.
Asked on Sky Sports News if he had ever done such a thing himself, the 59-year-old replied: “I did after about 300 games!”
He added: “I don’t see the point. You’re on a hiding to nothing now.. if kids ask, maybe, but not at half-time, it’s bang out or order.”
Many viewers agreed, with one posting: “Just seen… Absolute disgrace, does he think he’s some kind of star? His conduct really needs to be investigated.”
But another viewer defended Gill – and looked at the bigger picture
He wrote: “Sunny Singh Gill makes history, a rare inspiring story about a ref, and Mike Dean slags him off for signing an autograph… You should be ashamed of yourself Mike.”
Gill saw Jean-Philippe Mateta put the Eagles in front after 11 minutes.
CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL
RexSunny Singh Gill surprised some observers with his half-time decision[/caption]
That deepened Luton‘s woes in the drop zone and left Palace scenting a rise into mid-table.
But Cauley Woodrow snatched a point-saver deep into stoppage time.
Ahead of his momentous day, ex-prison officer Gill had told EFL.com: “Football has always run in the family.
“Me and my brother grew up loving the game and like most young kids, we just wanted to play.
“But in our household it was a bit different because when we were going to primary school, we knew our dad was going out to referee on a weekend.
“There were times he was a fourth official in the Premier League and our friends would say they saw him on Match of the Day!”