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Mike Dean admits he tried not to blow whistle during Premier League matches as a 'game'
Dean said he once went 20-25 minutes without blowing his whistle, prompting criticism and renewed debate over refereeing standards.
- Former Premier League referee Mike Dean revealed he played secret "mini-games" during matches, including delaying whistle blows for up to 25 minutes before the VAR era.
- Dean, 58, retired in 2022 after a 22-year career officiating 553 Premier League games, during which he was known as a divisive figure who admitted to personal "arrogance."
- Speaking on Jamie Vardy's Having a Party podcast, Dean described standing in the centre circle for up to 15 minutes and claimed he went between 20 and 25 minutes without blowing a whistle during matches.
- Critics blasted the actions as "unprofessional" and "disgusting" on social media, with supporters questioning his integrity and arguing referees should focus solely on officiating matches.
- English refereeing governing body Pro Ref, formerly known as PGMOL, has been contacted for comment regarding the controversy, which follows past criticism from Pundit Garth Crooks.
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[OSEN=Reporter Jung Seung-woo] A Premier League referee has made a shocking confession that he enjoyed his own 'mini-game' during matches. Fans are demanding an official investigation into Mike Dean (58)'s statement that he tried not to blow the whistle or leave the center circle for up to 25 minutes. The British 'Daily Mail' reported on the 4th (Korean time) that "senior officials in the English refereeing community have questioned Dean's claim…
For example, the former top referee claims to have tested how long he can referee without leaving the center circle.
·Helsinki, Finland
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BIZARRE games.
·Zagreb, Croatia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources40
Leaning Left9Leaning Right4Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Left
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left
43% Left
L 43%
C 38%
R 19%
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