Former Premier League referee Mike Dean on Friday issued a clarification after his recent comments on a podcast drew criticism and questions were raised over the officiating standards in the England top flight.
“Throughout my 25 years as a professional referee, I have always applied the Laws of the Game to the best of my ability,” Dean wrote on Instagram on Friday.
“My approach as a referee was always to allow the game to flow and whenever possible I preferred to apply a high threshold for contact which the players liked. However, if I saw a foul challenge that needed me to take the appropriate action I would give it from the correct position.”
During the podcast appearance, Dean said he played “games” within a football match, challenging himself to let the game flow without blowing his whistle and trying to stay inside the centre circle for as long as he could.
Following Dean’s comments, several referees to pitched in and said the remarks brought into question the integrity of match officials in England.
“At no stage was it my intention to question, criticise or undermine the integrity of refereeing in this country. I have always respected the profession and the responsibility that comes with being a referee,” he added.
Published on Sep 05, 2026