Premier League ref Dean is ready to hang up his whistle

Premier League referee Mike Dean will retire at the end of the season — but is likely to continue as a full-time VAR official.

According to Opta data, Dean has dished out the most red cards (114), yellow cards (2,026) and penalties (184) of any match official in the league’s history. 

The 53-year-old Wirral native has become one of the most recognisable refs in English football due to his no-nonsense attitude and unmissable style. 

Speaking on the Peter Crouch Podcast back in February 2020, Dean claimed he would not have been able to do his job without certain characteristics — some of which have infuriated fans, managers and players alike. 

He said: “There’s a touch of arrogance about me when I walk out on the pitch, I know there is. But there’s also a lot of confidence in myself because I believe in my own abilities. 

“Because of the way I referee, if the ball comes towards me I won’t jump out the way, I’ll let it go between my legs. That’s just how it is. 

“I love a stepover… I do. You just do it, I love the job I do. And with the way I referee, it comes out that I enjoy what I do.”

Dean began officiating in the Premier League in 2000 and it has been claimed the Tranmere fan was actually looking to step away from on-field duties last season. 

But he was reportedly talked into staying on for another campaign to help nurture the next generation of referees. 

Dean has overseen some of the biggest matches in England, including two FA Cup finals. 

And it appears he is set to join fellow former ref Lee Mason as one of two officials with full-time VAR roles.