Mike Dean has been at the centre of a storm after his controversial comments on refereeing in the Premier League, with the former official now issuing a statement in response to the widespread backlash
Mike Dean
Mike Dean has issued an apology(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mike Dean has taken to social media to issue a statement following the furor caused by his admission that he played mischievous games during his time officiating Premier League matches.
Dean, 58, infuriated large swathes of the footballing community during an appearance on Jamie Vardy's podcast. He confessed to indulging in "secret games" while overseeing fixtures, including attempting to remain within the center circle for as long as possible without stepping out, and going extended periods without blowing his whistle for a foul.
He has since faced sharp criticism from former Premier League refereeing colleague Mark Halsey, who went as far as suggesting that a number of Dean's matches warranted further investigation. Following the considerable backlash sparked by his remarks, Dean took to social media to publish a lengthy statement.
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher offers damning verdict on Liverpool star in Darwin Nunez comparison
He said: "Throughout my 25 years as a professional referee, I have always applied the Laws of the Game to the best of my ability. My approach as a referee was always to allow the game to flow and whenever possible I preferred to apply a high threshold for contact which the players liked.
"However, if I saw a foul challenge that needed me to take the appropriate action I would give it from the correct position. At no stage was it my intention to question, criticise or undermine the integrity of refereeing in this country. I have always respected the profession and the responsibility that comes with being a referee."
During an appearance on the Jamie Vardy's Having a Party podcast, Dean revealed: "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.' 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.
Mike Dean podcast
Mike Dean has spoken out about his recent comments(Image: Jamie Vardy Having a Party podcast)
"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."
When questioned about his former colleague's assertions, Halsey expressed astonishment, telling BBC Sport: "All my years as a professional referee, I have to say I've never heard of these games. Never.
The referee Mike Dean in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Watford at Stamford Bridge, London on Sunday 22nd May 2022
Mike Dean retired in 2022(Image: MI News/NurPhoto)
"And I have to say that I have never, ever thought about playing any sort of game, going out to referee. Because they're massive games, you've got the fans, you've got the players, you've got the managers, the delegates, the coaches.
"So I'm astounded. If Mike has played these games, then he's done that on his own accord. And if he has, then I think we need to know what games he's done them in?".
"How many games he's done them in? And it brings into question the integrity of every official."