Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has defended his 25-year officiating career, insisting he always performed his job "properly and professionally", after remarks he made on a podcast sparked widespread criticism. Dean had told the Jamie Vardy's Having a Party podcast that he would "joke about" during matches and see how long he could avoid blowing his whistle or leaving the centre circle, comments that drew condemnation from former officials and raised questions about the integrity of the game.

Dean, 58 and from Wirral, released a statement saying he never intended to "criticise or undermine the integrity" of fellow officials, and later addressed the row on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday. He denied ever deliberately failing to apply the laws of the game, saying he wouldn't have lasted 25 years on the select group list otherwise, and admitted the podcast comments "came out a little bit wrong". Pro Ref, formerly known as Professional Game Match Officials Limited, has yet to comment publicly, while those currently involved in officiating are said to have reacted with bemusement, noting a lack of factual detail in Dean's claims.