Arsenal fans flock to sign petition to stop Mike Dean refereeing their matches

It looks like Arsenal fans have a new cause celebre.

The club notorious for its attempts to hijack public votes (hi Jack Wilshere) once again seems determined to make its online presence felt. In the wake of Saturday's defeat by Chelsea, Gunners fan Jamie Cassar has launched a petition aimed at stopping referee Mike Dean from officiating any of their future games. Dean earned the wrath of Arsenal supporters by sending off Gabriel Paulista after the defender was baited by Chelsea forward Diego Costa, while Santi Cazorla was also sent to the line as Arsene Wenger's side finished the 2-0 defeat with ten men.

• VIDEO: 'HE WANTS TO BE THE STAR' - GARTH CROOKS TEARS STRIPS OFF MIKE DEAN WITH FURIOUS RANT

The petition, directed towards the FA, has already been signed by more than 50,000 people, states that: "After many poor decisions that go against Arsenal when Mike Dean is refereeing the game, it is time that we get an inquiry to his ability to referee Arsenal games. "Major incidents have occurred in recent and past games that show he is inept at refereeing at this level now."