Ex-Premier League referee Mike Dean SLAMS debutant Sunny Singh Gill’s decision to sign autographs at half time…insisting the history-making official is ‘on a hiding to nothing’

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has taken a dim view of debutant Sunny Singh Gill’s decision to sign autographs at half time of Crystal Palace’s draw against Luton. 

The official made history on Saturday by becoming the first referee of British South Asian descent to oversee a Premier League fixture. 

After a fairly routine first period, Gill was spotted signing autographs for fans before heading down the tunnel at Selhurst Park. 

Dean, who was one of the most high-profile referees in the country during his nearly two decades officiating in the top-flight, believed that it was not right for Gill to do so part way through the contest. 

The 55-year-old was asked if he had ever signed autographs during his career while appearing on Sky Sports Gillette Soccer Labs. 

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean believes that Gill should no-t have done so during the game 

Gill made history by becoming the first referee of of British South Asian descent to oversee a Premier League fixture

‘I did, after about 300 games! I don’t see the point,’ He said. ‘He’s on a hiding to nothing now.

‘If something happens in the second half, which I’ll guarantee the way refereeing goes sometimes, but you don’t sign autographs. Maybe when you’re warming up before the game but not at half time when you’ve got a game to do. It’s just bang out of order.’

The Eagles were denied a victory that would almost certainly have guaranteed their Premier League status next season, having gone ahead after 11 minutes through Jean-Philippe Mateta. 

Cauley Woodrow scored a 96th minute goal to earn Luton a draw at Crystal Palace

Luton striker Cauley Woodrow pounced in the 96th minute to keep Rob Edwards’s side’s fading survival hopes alive. 

In taking charge of the fixture, Gill followed the likes of Sam Allison and Rebecca Welch in making history this season.