Mike Dean sparks fury as ex-Prem ref admits taking part in secret video games in matches ‘for amusing’
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has admitted to playing secret games during matches for a “laugh”, sparking outrage from fans who branded his antics “disgusting” and “unprofessional”
Mike Dean has sparked anger with his comments
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has sparked fury by admitting he used to play secret games while officiating Premier fixtures “as a laugh”.
The ex-official revealed he would test himself to see how long he could avoid blowing his whistle or not stepping outside the centre circle during matches for a “laugh” with his officiating colleagues – enraging football supporters who have branded his behaviour as “diabolical” and “unprofessional”.
Dean stepped down from his position as video assistant referee in 2023, a year after hanging up his whistle. Dean concluded a 22-year refereeing career as the most recognisable official in the nation after overseeing 553 top-flight fixtures. Nevertheless, his celebrity status stemmed from his distinctive style on the pitch, alongside his longevity.
Mike Dean admitted to playing secret games during matches(Image: GLYN KIRK, AFP via Getty Images)
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Dean became a polarising figure during matches, gaining infamy amongst supporters and players for his self-confessed ‘arrogance’. The backlash has continued beyond his retirement, with his most recent remarks angering countless football fans.
Speaking on Jamie Vardy’s Having a Party podcast, he said: “There used to be games that we used to have, as a laugh, we used to say, ‘Right, we’ll kick off now, right? See how long we can go without blowing a whistle.’
“Done that a few times in the Premier, before VAR obviously. Went 20–25 minutes without blowing a whistle a few times. Let it go, let it go, let it go.
“I used to do another thing in the Premier League. I used to stand in the centre circle and see how long I could stay in the centre circle before I had to leave. That was just me joking about. The lads used to be on the line saying ‘you can’t’. I said ‘I’ll try it’. I just used to run around but don’t come out of it. Got about 15 minutes once in one game, without leaving the centre circle.”
These remarks have sparked outrage on social media. “Why are they laughing at this?” questioned one fan. “It’s disgusting from a supposed top referee. Messing around while fans pay hundreds of pounds for matches to be officiated professionally.”
Mike Dean has been slammed by fans for his admission(Image: Michael Steele, Getty Images)
“What else was going on that he’s not disclosing? And they call themselves professional,” another ranted.
“Watched loads of games where ref has been soft early doors and waved play on when a big chance from a transition is scuppered by tactical fouling. Lost for words… muppets!” blasted another user on X.
“I think it’s such a hard job and they get blamed for everything but this isn’t helping them,” expressed one frustrated supporter. “How can you decide to not blow your whistle?” Another user fumed: “Every fan should be refunded for this.”
“Stories like this only makes it worse for refs of today,” said another. “More scrutiny, more pressure. Astonishing really.”
Pro Ref declined to comment when contacted.
Dean’s allegations stem from an era before VAR, meaning such matches took place prior to 2019. The 61-year-old was promoted to Premier League referee status in 2000, having begun officiating in 1985.
Pro Ref, formerly known as PGMOL and Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOB), would have operated under different leadership, with Howard Webb taking over as Chief Refereeing Officer in August 2022.
This isn’t the first occasion that Dean has sparked controversy while discussing his career. The former official has previously confessed to not referring a decision to VAR in a bid to shield a colleague.
Dean was on VAR duty during a heated draw between Chelsea and Tottenham in August 2022 and revealed he chose not to send Anthony Taylor to the monitor to review a missed hair pull on Marc Cucurella, as his mate had endured a difficult encounter.
“I missed the stupid hair pull at Chelsea versus Tottenham which was pathetic from my point of view,” Dean told Simon Jordan’s Up Front podcast. “It’s one of them where if I had my time again, what would I do? I’d send Anthony [Taylor] to the screen.
“I think I knew if I did send him to the screen… he’s cautioned both managers, he’s had a hell of a game, it’s been such a tough game end to end. I said to Anthony afterwards: ‘I just didn’t want to send you to the screen after what has gone on in the game.’
“I didn’t want to send him up because he is a mate as well as a referee and I think I didn’t want to send him up because I didn’t want any more grief than he already had.”
