Former referee Mike Dean has expressed regret over comments made during a podcast, where he discussed joking during matches and testing the limits of officiating. Despite the backlash, he maintains that he performed his duties 'properly and professionally' throughout his 25-year career. Dean clarified that he did not intend to undermine the integrity of fellow officials.
The remarks have sparked criticism from former officials and raised questions about the integrity of refereeing. Dean acknowledged that his comments may have been poorly worded and hopes to move past the controversy.