Mike Dean has expressed regret over controversial comments made on a podcast this week but insists he always carried out his refereeing duties “properly and professionally” during his 25-year career.
The former official made headlines after appearing on the ‘Jamie Vardy’s Having a Party’ podcast, where he claimed he would “joke about” during matches and see how long he could go without blowing his whistle or leaving the centre circle.
Backlash and response
The remarks drew immediate criticism from former officials, with questions raised about the integrity of the game. However, Pro Ref – the new name for Professional Game Match Officials Limited – has yet to make a public comment on Dean’s statements.
Dean, 58, from Wirral, released a statement on Friday insisting it was never his intention to “criticise or undermine the integrity” of his fellow officials. He then reflected on the controversy during an appearance on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday programme.
Defending his record
Asked by presenter Simon Thomas if he had ever deliberately failed to apply the laws of the game in 25 years, Dean said: “No, because if I did, I wouldn’t have got as many games as I did.”
“And I wouldn’t have been on the list for 25 years. I did my job properly and professionally for the full 25 years. I have no regrets over the way I refereed the game of football. I enjoyed what I did and I think the players enjoyed what I did as well.”
He added: “It is one of them comments, if you had your time again, you wouldn’t say it, but it’s been said now and been out there. There is nothing I can do now.”
Career and reflection
Dean began his refereeing career in 1985, was promoted to the full referees’ list in 1997, and was appointed to the select group of Premier League referees in 2000, a position he held until retiring in 2022.
It is understood his claims have been met with bemusement by those currently involved in officiating, with some noting a lack of factual detail in his stories.
Dean continued: “It is one of them where as a ref, I like to go out and my threshold was always high as a ref and not to give free-kicks. I would give a minimum amount of free-kicks as I can and if I can keep the game flowing, I would keep it flowing. Yes, if I’ve got to step in, I’ll give the free-kick but it is just one of them things you learn by your mistakes.”
“Obviously I’ve said something this week that has come out a little bit wrong, I think I could have worded it a bit better than I said but you live and learn. Hopefully we can move on. We’ll see what happens.”
