Summary
Overview
Mike Dean, former Premier League referee and current Tranmere Rovers supporter, joins Wayne Rooney and fans to discuss the challenges of modern refereeing. The conversation covers VAR's impact, managing high-pressure situations, relationships with players and managers, and the evolution of officiating from his debut in the 1980s through retirement in 2022. Dean provides candid insights into controversial decisions, including the famous Aguero moment, while addressing concerns about consistency, referee development, and the loss of enjoyment in the profession.
Introduction to Mike Dean's Refereeing Career
Mike Dean shares his journey into refereeing, starting in 1985 after giving up playing in goal. He progressed from local football to the Football League by 1997 and the Premier League in 2000. Dean reflects on how refereeing was more enjoyable in earlier years, with bigger personalities and less pressure, contrasting sharply with today's regimented, scrutinized environment where social media and VAR have fundamentally changed the role.
- Started refereeing in 1985 after stopping playing in goal and gaining weight
- Made it to the Football League in 1997 and Premier League in 2000
- Refereeing was more enjoyable and laid-back in earlier years with less pressure
- Graham Paul was the referee he looked up to most, learning from his presence in high-profile games
" I think the list on the Premier League is not the strongest it's ever been, if I'm being perfectly honest with you. "
" I think I've tried to intimidate referees more than any other player. I'm quite proud of that. "
The Impact of VAR on Refereeing
Dean discusses his experience as a full-time VAR official, revealing how the role stripped away the feel of the game and made decision-making more difficult. He explains that sitting in an office watching screens prevents referees from gauging the game's temperature and managing situations naturally. The conversation explores how VAR has made referees more hesitant, changed their approach, and created an environment where officials can become overly reliant on technology rather than trusting their instincts.
- Working as a full-time VAR was horrible after the first few months because you lose the feel of the game
- Terminology and communication from VAR hub was difficult, and Dean admits he wasn't the best at it
- Everything in the VAR hub gets recorded, limiting natural conversation between officials
- VAR has made referees more hesitant and dependent on technology rather than making decisions
" When you're sat in an office block with a TV in front of you, you haven't got the feel of the game, you don't know what's going on, you don't know what's going on off the ball. "
" I think the refs should go out there and referees if the VAR's not there because I know what you're saying you make a mistake I've done it before when we had the VAR I'll make a mistake but my mate will bail me out this year. "
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