Referee Mike Dean quits English football after 28 years

Popular referee Mike Dean has exited the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL).

Dean, who has been a referee for 28 years in English football, worked last season as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

As it stands, the 55-year-old will no longer officiate Premier League matches after his exit from the board.

“PGMOL would like to place on record its recognition of Mike’s achievements as well as his immense contribution to refereeing and the game as a whole,” PGMOL said in a statement.

“We thank him for his dedication to the organisation over a sustained period of time and wish him every success for the future.”

A report via the UK Telegraph claimed Dean was found “unsuited to VAR duties” after “showdown talks” with PGMOL chief Howard Webb.

Meanwhile, Dean commenced officiating football matches in 1985 and was promoted to the Premier League in 2000.

The ace referee went on to oversee over 550 matches before retiring as an on-field referee in 2022.