Off the PitchMirror FootballUnverified source· 4 Sept 2026
Mike Dean clarifies 'mini games' comments after backlash
Former referee Mike Dean insists he never meant to question officials' integrity after revealing he played mini games during Premier League matches.
M. Dean
player
Who
Mike Dean
What
Released statement after backlash over mini games claim
When
This week
Where
Social media
What happened. Mike Dean faced criticism after claiming on Jamie Vardy's podcast that he played mini games during Premier League matches, such as seeing how long he could go without blowing his whistle. He has now released a statement clarifying his comments.
- Dean said he never intended to question officials' integrity.
- He claimed he once went 20-25 minutes without blowing his whistle.
- He also tried to stay in the centre circle for as long as possible.
“Throughout my 25 years as a professional referee, I have always...”
— Mike Dean
Dean's statement aims to reassure fans and officials about his earlier remarks.
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