Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has revealed he used to set himself unconventional challenges during matches, describing them as "mini-challenges" performed "as a laugh."
Appearing on Jamie Vardy's podcast, Dean recounted instances where he would test how long he could refrain from blowing his whistle or how long he could remain within the centre circle during play. He stated that before the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, he would sometimes go 20 to 25 minutes without stopping the game. Another self-imposed test involved seeing how long he could stay in the centre circle, a challenge he once extended to about 15 minutes.
However, sources within the refereeing community have reportedly dismissed Dean's claims as unfounded. These supposed incidents would have occurred in the pre-VAR era, prior to 2019, and under different leadership within the professional referees' organization.
This is not the first time Dean has drawn attention for his post-officiating commentary. In August 2022, while serving as a VAR for a Chelsea versus Tottenham match, Dean did not recommend a red card for Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, who had pulled the hair of Chelsea player Marc Cucurella. Dean later stated in an interview that he chose not to intervene to spare the on-field referee, Anthony Taylor, whom he described as a friend, from additional "grief."
Dean concluded a 28-year career as a professional football official in 2022. He began officiating in 1985, advanced to the Football League in 1995, and was promoted to the Premier League in 2000. He officiated both the 2008 FA Cup final and the 2011 League Cup final at Wembley Stadium.