Middlesbrough fans have every reason to feel outraged ahead of Saturday’s high-stakes encounter with Norwich City at the Riverside Stadium, as the EFL’s latest referee appointment has reignited memories of one of the most controversial decisions in recent club history.
With Boro just three points off the Championship play-off places and superior goal difference to sixth-placed Coventry City, every decision counts now—yet the man in the middle this weekend is none other than Dean Whitestone, a name that’s sure to trigger frustration on Teesside.
Supporters will remember Whitestone all too well from a January 2021 clash with Blackburn Rovers, a match that ended in defeat and fury after he failed to penalise Jarrad Branthwaite’s dangerous high boot that left Boro defender Dael Fry needing facial stitches. Despite the horror injury, Whitestone didn’t award a penalty or red card, sparking fury from fans and pundits alike. Sky Sports analyst Jobi McAnuff didn’t hold back, calling the decision “really dangerous” and saying it “should have been a red card and a penalty.” He added: “A player doesn’t get an injury like that without some contact happening.”
Now, with Boro’s season potentially hanging in the balance, the EFL’s decision to hand Whitestone the whistle again—at such a pivotal moment—is not sitting well. Add to that his record officiating Middlesbrough—just six wins in 17 matches (with eight losses)—and the alarm bells are ringing louder.
To make matters even more unpredictable, Norwich City are in managerial flux, having parted ways with their boss this week. Jack Wilshere is expected to be in the dugout as interim manager, a move that could galvanize or destabilize the Canaries—another unknown factor in a match where fine margins may prove decisive.
With a tough path to the play-offs and little room for error, Middlesbrough need focus, quality—and crucially, fair officiating. But with Dean Whitestone back on the scene, fans are already bracing themselves for what they hope won’t be another controversial twist in their promotion push.
In other news, Could It Be Time for a Romantic Reunion with Daniel Farke at Norwich?
