I used to play in-match games as a laugh - Dean

I used to play in-match games as a laugh - Dean Former Premier League referee Mike Dean said he used to set himself mini‑challenges during matches "as a laugh". Appearing on Jamie Vardy's podcast, Dean recalled, "We utilized to accidental 'we'll footwear disconnected now. Right, spot however agelong we tin spell without blowing a whistle'," Dean said. He added, "I've done that a fewer times successful the Premier League, earlier VAR evidently - went 20, 25 minutes without blowing a whistle." Dean also described another habit: "I utilized to bash different thing. I utilized to basal successful the centre ellipse - spot however agelong I could enactment successful the centre ellipse earlier I had to leave." He noted, "That was conscionable maine joking about. I got astur 15 minutes once." BBC Sport understands that referee officials regard Dean's claims as unfounded, suggesting they belong to the era before video assistant referees, prior to 2019 when Pro Ref operated under different leadership. This is not the first time Dean has attracted controversy through media comments. While serving as the VAR for Chelsea's 2‑2 draw with Tottenham in August 2022, Dean failed to send the referee to the monitor for a red card against Cristian Romero. The Tottenham defender should have been penalised for pulling Marc Cucurella's hair. After retiring, Dean explained in an interview that he chose not to intervene because he wanted to spare referee Anthony Taylor further "grief". He stated, "I didn't privation to nonstop him up due to the fact that helium is simply a mate arsenic good arsenic a referee," Dean said. Dean enjoyed a 28‑year career as a match official, stepping away from on‑field duties in 2022 and retiring after the 2022‑23 season spent as a full‑time VAR. He began refereeing in 1985, moved to the Football League a decade later, and entered the Premier League in 2000. Dean officiated the 2008 FA Cup final and the 2011 League Cup final at Wembley Stadium.