Mike Dean baffled by controversial incident in West Brom v Middlesbrough, 'It's a red card'

Mike Dean was baffled live on air by a controversial incident in the first half of the West Brom game against Middlesbrough on Saturday (23 December).

Speaking on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday (03:15pm), the former Premier League referee said Cedric Kipre was the last man as he brought down Isaiah Jones when he looked to go through on goal.

He added that the 27-year-old centre-back should've been given a red card for the foul after he was handed a yellow card at the Riverside Stadium.

“He is the last man and he does bring him down,” said Dean. “I think it’s more of a red card than not and as he’s fell down, he’s knocked the ball towards the goal with his arm.

"For me, I think it’s a red card, last man. Had a good opportunity to score.”

Got away with it

It was definitely an incident where Kipre was fortunate to come away with just a yellow card as he could've quite easily received his marching orders.

It wasn't a great challenge from the Ivorian defender as Jones looked to go through on goal and hand Middlesbrough an early lead in the game.

There is no doubt that he was the last man, so Boro manager Michael Carrick would be well within his rights to question why it wasn't a red card.

It was quite a rare mistake for Kipre to make after he has been solid this season, with the defender recently building up an excellent partnership alongside Kyle Bartley.

Despite getting away with that incident, it didn't really help Albion's cause too much in the first half as former Baggies academy product Morgan Rogers gave them a lead just before half-time.

In other West Brom news, a pundit has urged Albion to make a new signing in January after a development has emerged.