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Referee for Everton v Liverpool announced: Was pulled from Reds FA Cup final
MIKE DEAN will referee the Merseyside derby next Monday in a controversial appointment by the Premier League.
Mike Dean will referee Everton v Liverpool next week
Dean, 48, was born just six miles away from Liverpool city centre on the Wirral.
The referee, who has officiated in the Premier League since 2000, has not been in charge of a game involving either Everton or Liverpool for over 10 years.
He was removed from taking charge of the 2006 FA Cup final because of Liverpool's involvement.
At the time the FA claimed they had faith in Dean's judgement but added: "The fact he is from the Wirral might lead to comment and debate which could place him under undue additional pressure.
"The decision has been taken with the best interests of Mike Dean and the competition in mind."
Dean was meant to ref the FA Cup final in 2006 - but was pulled due to Liverpool's involvement
Throwback to Mike Dean celebrating a Spurs goal ????????????????????????https://t.co/TgDJ2LjNG2
— Football Tips (@footballtips) December 11, 2016
Everton host the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park next week
Everton host title chasers Liverpool at Goodison Park, seeking their first win over their rivals at home since October 2010.
The last four Merseyside derbies at Everton have all ended in a draw.
Former ref Howard Webb is primarily responsible for appointing officials to certain matches in his role as performance director for the Professional Game Match Officials Limited.