I used to play in-match games as a laugh - Dean

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean revealed on Jamie Vardy's podcast that he used to engage in mini-challenges during matches for amusement. Dean mentioned setting himself tasks like going without blowing his whistle or staying within the centre circle. He claimed to have gone 20 to 25 minutes without blowing a whistle before VAR was introduced in 2019.

Dean also admitted to standing in the centre circle for a period of 15 minutes, which he said was just a joke. However, BBC Sport maintains that Dean's claims are not supported by the referee figures, which would refer to the period prior to the video assistant referee system in 2019. This is not the first time Dean has caused controversy with his media statements.

During the Chelsea-Tottenham match in August 2022, he failed to send Cristian Romero off for pulling Marc Cucurella's hair, citing a desire to protect referee Anthony Taylor from additional criticism. Dean, who officiated for 28 years before retiring in 2022, had a long career beginning in 1985 and stepping into the Premier League in 2000.

He officiated notable finals like the 2008 FA Cup final and 2011 League Cup final at Wembley. Dean's recent comments have tarnished the reputation of referees, as they face allegations of corruption and bias. His revelation may add to the perception of referees being unprofessional, regardless of the actual facts.