Mike Dean ‘in fantasy land’ over claims of referees’ games, says ex-boss Keith Hackett

Dean, who refereed in the Premier League until 2022, generated controversy after claiming he would “joke about” during matches, seeing how long he could go without blowing his whistle or leaving the centre circle.

Ex-Premier League referee Mike Dean. Pic: Adam Davy/PA Wire.

Mike Dean’s former boss insists the referee would not have been able to play the “games” he claims to have done while officiating.

Dean, who refereed in the Premier League until 2022, generated controversy after claiming on the ‘Jamie Vardy’s Having a Party’ podcast he would “joke about” during matches, seeing how long he could go without blowing his whistle or leaving the centre circle.