Mike Dean admits playing secret whistle games during Premier League matches

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has admitted to playing self-imposed games during live top-flight matches, including deliberately avoiding blowing his whistle for up to 25 minutes at a time — comments that have drawn widespread condemnation from supporters.

Speaking on the Jamie Vardy’s Having a Party podcast, Dean described two separate challenges he set himself during Premier League games. “There used to be games that we used to have, as a laugh,” he said. “We used to say, ‘Right, we’ll kick off now, right? See how long we can go without blowing a whistle.’ Done that a few times in the Premier, before VAR obviously. Went 20–25 minutes without blowing a whistle a few times. Let it go, let it go, let it go.”

Dean also revealed a second habit: attempting to remain inside the centre circle for as long as possible without leaving it. “I used to stand in the centre circle and see how long I could stay in the centre circle before I had to leave,” he said. “Got about 15 minutes once in one game, without leaving the centre circle.”

Dean retired from refereeing in 2022 after more than two decades as one of the Premier League’s most recognisable officials, before stepping down from his VAR role in 2023.

The revelations have provoked a sharp reaction on social media. “It’s disgusting from a supposed top referee. Messing around while fans pay hundreds of pounds for matches to be officiated professionally,” wrote one supporter. Another added: “What else was going on that he’s not disclosing? And they call themselves professional.”

Some fans connected the admission to broader frustrations with refereeing standards. “Watched loads of games where the ref has been soft early doors and waved play on when a big chance from a transition is scuppered by tactical fouling,” one user wrote on X. “Lost for words.”

Others expressed concern about the knock-on effect for current officials. “Stories like this only make it worse for refs of today — more scrutiny, more pressure,” one supporter commented. “Astonishing really.”

Pro Ref declined to comment when approached.