EAGLE-EYED fans are adamant they have found a Premier League clash where referee Mike Dean amused himself by playing mini-games.
The former official, 58, admitted he would go as long as possible without using his whistle and stay in the centre circle during an appearance on Jamie Vardy’s podcast.
Fans reckon Mike Dean played mini-games in West Brom’s win over Manchester United a decade ago Credit: Getty
Juan Mata saw red during the clash at the Hawthorns Credit: PA:Press Association
Dean’s stunning claims have left Premier League sides irate, with some launching internal probes and trawling through video footage.
And West Brom’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 2016 has been pinpointed as a showdown where the ex-ref let his mind wander.
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Video journalist Adam Clery has revealed he spent a day scouring through Dean’s performances.
During United’s defeat at the Hawthorns, when Juan Mata was sent off, the man in the middle managed to get through the first 19 minutes of the contest without blowing his whistle.
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And West Brom went on to bag their first home win over the Red Devils for 32 years as Salomon Rondon grabbed the only goal of the now-controversial encounter.
Fans are convinced Dean allowed a number of poorly-timed tackles to go unpunished because of setting himself a personal challenge.
One said: “I remember this game and that red card was ridiculous.”
Another added: “United should sue the league.”
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A third chimed in: “And there it is.”
A fourth noted: “Disgrace.”
And a fifth claimed: “As someone who regularly bets on fouls, this genuinely is scandalous.”
Dean’s admission stunned crew members working on Jamie Vardy’s Having a Party.
A show insider exclusively told JattvibeSport: “We didn’t think he was being serious.
“It felt like he just wanted to be one of the lads and say some funny stuff. It felt like he wanted to have a bit of banter to be one of the lads.”
Dean broke his silence after the bombshell comments by releasing a statement.
It read: “Throughout my 25 years as a professional referee, I have always applied the laws of the game to the best of my ability.
Fans have slammed Dean after his performance at the Hawthorns has been rediscovered Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The former ref’s comments have resulted in Premier League clubs launching internal probes Credit: youtube
“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.
“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.”
JattvibeSport understands officiating chiefs at Pro Ref are deeply sceptical of Dean’s stunning claims.
Some are convinced he was simply playing to the audience during the tell-all interview.
