Mike Dean to bid Premier League farewell after VAR controversy

Mike Dean, one of the Premier League’s most recognizable referees, has been removed from VAR duties for two months after his performance levels and decision-making appeared to slip during the last few seasons of his elite-level refereeing career. Dean, who retired from refereeing at the end of last season, had been serving as a video assistant referee (VAR) this season.

According to sources, the 54-year-old has not been appointed to a match in the Premier League or FA Cup since he was the VAR during Leicester City’s 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on February 11.

This absence is reportedly performance-related, as Mike Dean has faced a number of controversies this season, including failing to identify a red card against Tottenham defender Cristian Romero for a violent hair pull on Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella in August.

Spurs scored a 95th-minute equalizer from the resulting corner, which would not have happened had Dean advised a VAR intervention. He also failed to intervene when Bournemouth’s Jefferson Lerma should have been sent off at West Ham, and he failed to recommend the awarding of a Wolves penalty in the seventh minute of Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Molineux.

Mike Dean

Dean’s future as a Premier League official is in doubt, with former Premier League referee Howard Webb having conducted a cull of VARs since becoming chief refereeing officer for Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December.

Lee Mason and Neil Swarbrick were taken off duty after making mistakes in February, with the former resigning from his VAR role six days later.

Webb has made it clear that officials must be held accountable for their actions, and sources suggest that Dean’s absence is part of an effort to improve the level of VAR officiating in the Premier League.

Mike Dean, who earned himself a reputation as one of the best referees in the world over a 22-year career officiating Premier League matches, is known for his firm-but-fair style, which players and supporters alike have come to appreciate.