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Top referee Mike Dean has not been given a game this weekend after being involved in two highly controversial "grappling" penalty decisions.

The Premier League ordered a crackdown this season on pushing, shirt pulling and fouls at set pieces which has put refs on red alert.

Dean gave two big calls which seemed to fall into the new directive for a decision against Raheem Sterling for blocking off at a corner at Stoke.

He also gave a penalty against Bournemouth when Charlie Daniels was accused of pulling Christian Benteke's shirt. It is understood Dean believes both were penalties.

(Image: 2016 Rex Features) (Image: REUTERS)

Both decisions caused discussion at the PGMOL - which is in charge of the Premier League's referees and officials - and Dean has not been given a game this weekend.

Dean is one of the Premier League's most high profile refs and his absence amid decisions about a new directive has caused surprise.