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Mike Dean admits he tried not to blow whistle during Premier League matches as a 'game'
Dean said he used whistle-free and centre-circle challenges to amuse himself, 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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Mike Dean defends integrity after backlash over playing ‘games’ during Premier League matches
Dean created a social media storm after admitting during a recent podcast appearance that he played ‘games’ within football matches, such as letting play go on for as long as possible and trying not to leave the centre circle.
·Chennai, India
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Mike Dean issues statement following backlash to playing 'secret games' while refereeing
Mike Dean issues statement following backlash to playing 'secret games' while refereeing . Mike Dean has issued a statement following an intense wave of backlash after the former Premier League referee said he would play "secret games" while officiating fixtures
·London, United Kingdom
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He whistled over 550 games. Now ex referee Mike Dean reveals bizarre "games he went through during games – for his own pleasure.
·Berlin, Germany
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Total News Sources61
Leaning Left12Leaning Right9Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution37% Left, 36% Center
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources lean Left, 36% of the sources are Center
37% Left
L 37%
C 36%
R 27%
Factuality
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