A former Premier League referee has sparked a backlash after revealing he used to entertain himself by "joking about" and playing "games" while officiating matches.
Mike Dean, who refereed in 553 Premier League fixtures across more than two decades, made the confession while on Jamie Vardy's Having a Party podcast.
The 58-year-old, who retired in 2022 before a brief spell as a VAR assistant, told former England striker Vardy he would entertain himself by attempting not to use his whistle for as long as possible or by limiting his movement on the pitch.
Dean recalled: "We used to say, something like 'we'll kick off now, right? See how long we can go without blowing the whistle'".
He added: "Done that a few times in the Premier League, before VAR obviously. Went 20 to 25 minutes without blowing a whistle a few times. Let it go, let it go, let it go."
The ex-referee also described how he "used to stand in the centre circle and see how long I could stay in the centre circle before I had to leave".
He boasted on the podcast about how he once managed to not leave the centre circle for "about 15 minutes" in one game.
Vardy appeared to react with disbelief to the comments, saying: "Playing his own little games while the game's going on, it's brilliant".
"Why didn't they qualify? Mike stayed in the centre circle," Vardy joked.
It is understood Dean's claims have been met with bemusement by those with current involvement in officiating, with some noting a lack of factual detail in his stories.
Mark Halsey, who refereed in the Premier League between 1999 and 2013, told BBC Sport that Dean's comments damaged the reputation of all referees.
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Refereeing is currently overseen by the recently rebranded Pro Ref - formerly known as the Professional Games Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) - which has been approached for comment.
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, reacting on talkSPORT, was angered by Dean's appearance.
"He's trying to be funny, but it's not funny. You're not funny, Mike Dean, that sums you up," he said.
"He's throwing himself under the bus. This is the Premier League. Are you a child?"
(c) Sky News 2026: Mike Dean admits he tried not to blow whistle during Premier League matches as a 'game'
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