Mike Dean has responded to the backlash over his claim that he played mini-games while refereeing Premier League matches, defending his record during his 25-year career.
The former referee posted a statement on his Instagram story two days after telling the Jamie Vardy's Having a Party podcast that he once went 20 to 25 minutes without blowing his whistle and spent around 15 minutes standing inside the centre circle.
Dean described the first incident as a private test with fellow officials, saying, "we'll kick off now, right, see how long we can go without blowing a whistle." He recalled the second as a dare from assistants on the touchline.
He said both incidents happened during his time on the Select Group panel, before VAR was introduced to the Premier League in 2019, but did not identify the matches or dates.
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor criticised Dean's comments on talkSPORT, saying the former referee was "throwing himself under the bus."
In his statement, Dean defended his record as an official, writing: "Throughout my 25 years as a professional referee, I have always applied the Laws of the Game to the best of my ability."
He added that he preferred to "allow the game to flow" and would "give it from the correct position" when a challenge required action. Dean also said it was never his intention to "question, criticise or undermine the integrity of refereeing in this country."
Why Pro Ref Says There Is No Evidence To Support Dean's Claims
Pro Ref, the body responsible for refereeing in English football, has reportedly found no evidence to support Dean's comments. Refereeing figures told The Times that there was nothing to substantiate the incidents described by the former referee.
Senior figures inside Pro Ref are understood to be sceptical largely because of what Dean left out. Dean did not name the fixture, opponent or date for either incident, making it difficult to identify the matches and check the available footage or reports.
Keith Hackett, who headed PGMOL between 2004 and 2010, also questioned Dean's account. He said referees were monitored through Prozone analysis, match assessors and match delegates during that period.
Hackett wrote on X that Dean's claims belonged in "fantasy land."
What Clubs Are Reportedly Doing in Response to the Refereeing Controversy
Some Premier League clubs have reportedly begun internal reviews into Dean's comments, although no clubs have been named and none has publicly confirmed the reports. Former referee Mark Halsey has also called for some of Dean's matches to be examined.
Halsey did not identify specific fixtures but said Dean's claims should be investigated.
What Happens Next For Dean And Pro Ref
The controversy is likely to continue unless more information emerges about the matches Dean was referring to or Pro Ref publishes further findings. For now, the claims remain unverified, while Pro Ref has reportedly found no evidence to support his claims.
