Former Premier League referee Mike Dean says he didn’t intend to “undermine the integrity of refereeing” after claiming that he used to play mini-games to amuse himself throughout matches.
Dean had instructed Jamie Vardy’s podcast that he would try to go as long as possible without blowing his whistle, or keep standing within the centre circle.
“We used to say, ‘we’ll kick off now. Proper, see how lengthy we are able to go with out blowing a whistle’,” Dean stated.
“I’ve completed that just a few instances within the Premier League, earlier than VAR clearly – went 20, 25 minutes with out blowing a whistle.”
The 58-year-old has are available for appreciable criticism for his feedback with one other former Premier League referee, Mark Halsey, telling BBC Sport that it had added additional strain on officers right this moment.
Dean posted an announcement on his Instagram story on Friday the place he didn’t retract his declare, however sought to clarify the context.
“All through my 25 years as an expert referee, I’ve at all times utilized the Legal guidelines of the Recreation to the very best of my capability,” Dean wrote.
“My method as a referee was at all times to permit the sport to move and at any time when attainable I most popular to use a excessive threshold for contact which the gamers appreciated.
“Nonetheless, if I noticed a foul problem that wanted me to take the suitable motion I might give it from the proper place.
“At no stage was it my intention to query, criticise or undermine the integrity of refereeing on this nation.
“I’ve at all times revered the occupation and the accountability that comes with being a referee.”
However is there any proof that Dean did in truth play these video games?
