Former referee Mike Dean has voiced regret regarding controversial comments made on a podcast this week, though he asserts he consistently performed his duties "properly and professionally" throughout his 25-year career.
Dean had previously claimed on the 'Jamie Vardy’s Having a Party' podcast that he would "joke about" during games and test how long he could avoid blowing his whistle or staying within the centre circle. These remarks led to widespread criticism from former officials, who questioned the integrity of the sport.
In a statement released on Friday, Dean, 58, stated it was not his intention to "criticise or undermine the integrity" of his fellow officials. He further clarified on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday that he never deliberately failed to apply the laws of the game, attributing his long career to his professional conduct.
Pro Ref, the new name for Professional Game Match Officials Limited, has not yet issued a public comment on Dean’s statements. It is understood that those currently involved in officiating have met Dean's claims with bemusement, with some noting a lack of factual detail in his stories.