Mike Dean defends officiating career following podcast remarks
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 1:37 PM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026
Former referee Mike Dean stated he operated properly and professionally throughout his 25-year career following public criticism of his recent comments. Dean appeared on the Jamie Vardy’s Having a Party podcast where he discussed his officiating habits. During the appearance, he claimed he would joke during matches and intentionally delay blowing his whistle or moving from the centre circle. These remarks drew criticism from the football community. Dean now expresses regret for the comments but maintains they were not intended to undermine other officials. He stands by his work during his tenure as a match official.
- •Mike Dean served as a referee for 25 years.
- •Dean expressed regret for comments made on the Jamie Vardy’s Having a Party podcast.
- •The former official stated he performed his duties properly and professionally.
- •Dean acknowledged claims that he occasionally joked during matches and remained in the centre circle.
- 1:37 PMThe Guardian Sport — Mike Dean insists he refereed ‘properly and professionally’ after podcast claims
"Former official ‘regrets’ controversial comments He claims he did not intend to ‘undermine’ others The former referee Mike Dean regrets his controversial comments on a podcast this week, but insists he always did his job “properly and professionally” during his 25-year career. Dean sent shockwaves through football when he claimed on the ‘Jamie Vardy’s Having a Party’ podcast he would “joke about” during matches and would see how long he could go without blowing his whistle or leaving the centre circle. Continue reading...
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