Premier League: Former top referee Mike Dean says he played games during matches

Mike Dean says he once spent 15 minutes refereeing a Premier League match without leaving the center circle. He also claims that, before the introduction of VAR, he and other referees sometimes tested how long he could go without blowing the whistle.

“Sometimes we entertained ourselves,” Dean said on Jamie Vardy’s podcast. “In a few Premier League matches before the VAR era, we tried to see how long I could get without blowing the whistle. Sometimes it was 20 to 25 minutes before the whistle.”

Dean, who also said he tested how long he could officiate from the center circle, added: “Once I didn’t leave the center circle for 15 minutes.”

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Sometimes we entertained ourselves. In a few Premier League matches before the VAR era, we tried to see how long I could get without blowing the whistle. Sometimes it was 20 to 25 minutes before the whistle.

The claims have reportedly been met with confusion and disbelief at Pro-Ref, the organization representing referees who officiate English professional matches. The Guardian reported that the refereeing body considers it extremely unlikely that a referee could remain in the center circle for 15 minutes without anyone noticing. Members of the refereeing community said there was no evidence Dean had actually behaved as he described.

Dean refereed in the Premier League for 22 years and took charge of 561 matches. He also officiated in English cup competitions, European matches and internationals. He became known for reaching into his back pocket and issued a record 114 Premier League red cards. He faced criticism during his career for seeking attention. After leaving the field, he worked as a VAR official for one season before ending his career in 2023.

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Once I didn’t leave the center circle for 15 minutes.