Retired Premier League referee Mike Dean admits to playing secret games during matches

Mike Dean, who retired in 2022 after a 22-year career and 553 Premier League appointments, told listeners of Jamie Vardy’s Having a Party podcast that he once treated matches as a playground for personal challenges. He said he tried to see how long he could avoid using his whistle and even remained in the centre circle for up to fifteen minutes in a single game. Dean noted these stunts occurred before the full rollout of VAR in 2019.

The admission has ignited a wave of criticism on social media, with many calling his conduct unprofessional and questioning his integrity. Former pundit Garth Crooks had previously labelled Dean a “petulant schoolteacher” for similar behaviour. The governing body Pro Ref, formerly PGMOL, has been asked to respond.