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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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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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The former referee Mike Dean, who has a career of more than two decades and more than 500 arbitrated parties, revealed a series of challenges he was facing to have fun while he was running. His statements sparked controversy.
·Las Condes, Chile
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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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Former Premier League referee Mike Dean revealed in a podcast animated by Jamie Vardy that he was engaging in unusual bets with his assistants during the games, like staying as long as possible without...
Coverage Details
Total News Sources53
Leaning Left10Leaning Right8Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Center
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center
38% Center
L 34%
C 38%
R 28%
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