MIKE DEAN says he hopes that he is “remembered by fans as an entertainer” after hanging up his whistle.
The “celebrity referee” retired from on-pitch duties at the end of last season to become a full-time VAR this term.
Mike Dean wants to be remembered by football fans as an ‘entertainer’ Credit: AFP
The Tranmere Rovers-supporting former ref hit the headlines numerous times Credit: Rex The Wirral official is famous for his flamboyant gestures both on the turf and off it.
Dean has hit the headlines on numerous occasions over the years, with the 53-year-old’s funniest moment coming during a game between Tottenham and Aston Villa at White Hart Lane in 2015.
After Moussa Dembele scored from close range and sent Spurs fans wild, Dean was spotted racing to the centre circle appearing to celebrate the goal and pumping the air in delight.
Why? Well, he had just played an advantage seconds before the goal – so why not.
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The best free bets and sign up offers available from our bookmaker partners And we’ve seen the world’s best players deliver a no-look pass, but we’ve also seen Dean give out a no-look yellow card too.
He once brandished a yellow card in a Merseyside derby in 2016 – without even looking at the player as he brought refereeing showboating to a whole new level.
Back in 2019, he was also spotted in the Tranmere Rovers away end celebrating a famous victory over Forest Green Rovers, and later in the play-off final against Newport County.
The ref, normally centre stage on the pitch, could be seen proudly singing in the stands after both games.
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He often watches his beloved Rovers, admitting in the past to joining in the with the chants, “the referee’s a w***er”.
Those are just some of Dean’s funniest moments, and after giving up full-time refereeing following 22 years, the ex-Premier League whistleblower says he wants to be remembered by fans as “an entertainer”.
Speaking to The Times, he said: “The last four or five years, because you know you are going to finish one day, you make sure you go out and enjoy yourself.
“I don’t go out refereeing with fear, I just love the job.
“If it comes across a bit arrogant and a bit of showmanship that’s fine, it’s people’s opinions, but I would never change what I’ve done over the last 22 years at all. I’ve not one regret.”
He is about to start a new full-time role with VAR Credit: Reuters Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
