Mike Dean sparks outrage as ex-Premier League ref admits to secret games during matches

Ex-Premier League referee Mike Dean has revealed that he used to play secret games during Premier League matches. The former official suggested he would see how long he could go without blowing the whistle or leaving the centre circle during games, sparking outrage from fans who have slammed his antics as 'diabolical' and 'unprofessional'.

Dean ended his position as video assistant referee in 2023, 12 months after retiring from refereeing. Dean ended a 22-year referee career as the most recognisable official in the country after taking charge of 553 top-flight matches.

However, his fame came from his unique approach on the field, as well as his longevity. Dean proved a controversial figure on the pitch, earning notoriety from fans and players for his self-admitted 'arrogance'.

The controversy has not stopped following his retirement, and his latest comments have irked swathes of football supporters.

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.’

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"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.”

The comments have prompted uproar on social media. "Why are they laughing at this?" said one fan. "It’s disgusting from a supposed top referee. Messing around while fans pay hundreds of pounds for matches to be officiated professionally."

"What else was going on that he’s not disclosing? And they call themselves professional," another vented.

"Watched loads of games where ref has been soft early doors & waved play on when a big chance from a transition is scuppered by tactical fouling. Lost for words… muppets!" fumed another user on X.

"I think it’s such a hard job and they get blamed for everything but this isn’t helping them," said one frustrated supporter. "How can you decide to not blow your whistle?"

"Every fan should be refunded for this," another person commented.

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"Stories like this only makes it worse for refs of today," said another. "More scrutiny, more pressure. Astonishing really."

Pro Ref had no comment to make when approached.

Dean's claims come from a period pre-VAR, meaning such games were played before 2019. The 61-year-old was promoted to a Premier League referee in 2000, having started officiating in 1985. Pro Ref, previously known as PGMOL and Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOB) would have been under different leadership, with Howard Webb becoming Chief Refereeing Officer in August 2022.

It is not the first time that Dean has prompted controversy when speaking about his career. The ex-official has previously admitted not referring a decision to VAR, in an attempt to protect a friend.

Dean was VAR during a fiery draw between Chelsea and Tottenham in August 2022 and claimed he avoided sending Anthony Taylor to the screen to review a missed hair pull on Marc Cucurella as his colleague had endured a tough match.

"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."

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