The referee from one of English football's most dramatic moments has now added fuel to a long-standing conspiracy theory about Manchester City's iconic 2012 Premier League title win.
The Controversial Kick-Off
Mike Dean, the official for Manchester City's legendary 3-2 victory against Queens Park Rangers in May 2012, has publicly questioned why QPR immediately returned possession to City after Edin Dzeko's 92nd-minute equaliser. This act preceded Sergio Aguero's legendary title-winning goal in stoppage time.
Dean revealed his astonishment during the match, telling The Overlap Fan Debate: "They [City] make it 2-2, and they [QPR] just kick it back and give it to them. And we were like, 'what's going on, why are they giving the ball back straightaway?'" He recalled that fourth official Neil Swarbrick warned him to "keep switched on, something is going to happen."
Rooney's Previous Suspicions Confirmed
Dean's comments directly support previous claims made by Wayne Rooney, who was playing for Manchester United that day. United had won their match at Sunderland, believing they had secured the title until City's extraordinary comeback unfolded.
Rooney had previously told The Sun in 2022: "City get the second goal and QPR kick it straight back to them and that's never been questioned – I find that strange." The former England captain also highlighted that QPR fielded three former Manchester City players – Nedum Onuoha, Shaun Wright-Phillips, and the sent-off Joey Barton.
Analyzing QPR's Actions
Footage reviewed by Daily Mail Sport shows QPR kicking the ball immediately out of play near City's corner flag after Dzeko's equaliser. While not uncommon today, analysis suggests Mark Hughes' side made no attempt to press high and win possession back, instead dropping deep and allowing City to build their fatal attack.
Dean noted another peculiar detail: "What was strange about it, once QPR found out they were safe, Jamie Mackie was on the pitch celebrating while the game was still going on." However, the devastated reaction of QPR defenders after Aguero's winner suggests some players may not have known Bolton's draw with Stoke had secured their Premier League status.
Despite the compelling timing and observations from both Dean and Rooney, these claims remain unproven speculation about whether QPR's actions were intentional or merely coincidental in one of football's most historic moments.
