Former referee Mike Dean says he used to set himself personal challenges during matches, such as avoiding the use of his whistle for extended periods.

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has revealed that he previously set himself personal challenges during matches to amuse himself. Speaking on Jamie Vardy’s podcast, Dean stated that he would occasionally attempt to go long periods without blowing his whistle or remain within the center circle for as long as possible. He claimed to have gone up to 25 minutes without using his whistle during matches before the introduction of VAR.

Details of In-Match Challenges

Dean described these activities as jokes, noting that he once managed to stay within the center circle for 15 minutes. He clarified that these actions took place during his time as an on-field official in the Premier League prior to the implementation of video assistant refereeing in 2019. Refereeing figures have characterized these claims as unfounded, noting that they pertain to a period under different leadership.

History of Controversial Statements

This is not the first time Dean has faced scrutiny for his public comments. In 2023, he admitted that he failed to intervene during a 2022 match between Chelsea and Tottenham because he wanted to spare referee Anthony Taylor from additional criticism. Dean had served as the VAR for that game, where he did not recommend a review for a hair-pulling incident involving Cristian Romero. Serving officials have previously expressed concern that such comments damage the reputation of the profession.

Career Background

Mike Dean concluded a 28-year career as a professional official. He began officiating in 1985, moved to the Football League in 1995, and joined the Premier League in 2000. His career included officiating the 2008 FA Cup final and the 2011 League Cup final. He stepped down from on-field duties in 2022 and retired following the 2022-23 season, which he spent as a full-time VAR.