25 of Mike Dean’s greatest, funniest and most bizarre moments

Quick Reads

Referee Mike Dean looks on. Premier League match, Chelsea v Watford at Stamford Bridge in London on Sunday 22nd May 2022.

Planet Football
25th August 2023

Mike Dean has firmly established himself as the undisputed king of the celebrity refs in the Premier League, gifting fans a string of bizarre and slyly funny moments throughout his career.

Dean referees with his own blend of authority, comedy and surrealism to make his mark on fixtures up and down the country.

And we’ve rounded up 25 of his greatest moments.

VAR

Former referee Mike Dean has admitted that he failed to change a VAR decision to save his 'mate' Antony Taylor from more grief. pic.twitter.com/yFrt0iPvtO

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) August 25, 2023

Tranmere

Yes – that is Mike Dean celebrating Tranmere’s win at Forest Green pic.twitter.com/W2xHQmM33E

— George Elek (@GeorgeElek) May 13, 2019

“Off you pop”

😫 – “Off you pop” pic.twitter.com/hMQOrOmFGM

— MUNDIAL (@MundialMag) December 23, 2018

The signal

Mike Dean is even better with dramatic music pic.twitter.com/25enZMaV5w

— damo 🇺🇦 (@thedamongray) February 5, 2018

Stepover assist

Mike Dean’s stepover made that goal… pic.twitter.com/QsFPq3jTFH

— Jay Motty (@JayMotty) February 5, 2018

The celebration

I’ve created an atmosphere where I’m a striker 1st and a ref 2nd. Probably an entertainer 3rd.

(via @jawtonloe)

https://t.co/0siG6noRi1

— Celebrity Refs (@CelebrityRefs) April 2, 2017

The huff

Mike Dean sass rating reaching a solid 10 with the eye-roll denial.#CelebrityRefs

(via @jawtonloe)https://t.co/dBSOW1jR53

— Celebrity Refs (@CelebrityRefs) May 10, 2016

Pomp and ceremony

Can only assume #GoalOfTheDay was meant to read #DeanOfTheDay #CelebrityRefs pic.twitter.com/lJljfXhHD0

— Celebrity Refs (@CelebrityRefs) April 25, 2017

The banter

Classic Mike Dean. pic.twitter.com/ovHguW1BEQ

— Planet Football (@planetfutebol) October 27, 2016

Can’t touch this

"You DO NOT touch the man in charge. My authority will NOT be abused"#CelebrityRefs http://t.co/vfgdzuzX5t

— Celebrity Refs (@CelebrityRefs) January 22, 2015

Golf swing

Mike Dean wanders off the Stamford Bridge pitch practising his golf swing and grinning at the TV gantry. Oozes star quality.

— Jonathan Wilson (@jonawils) December 11, 2016

Man for the big occasion

Mike Dean in charge of today's Championship promotion decider.

Return of the "WELCOME TO THE PL" whistle, please.https://t.co/r7SDquAPv7

— Celebrity Refs (@CelebrityRefs) May 7, 2016

A disapproving look

Today's instalment of Mike Dean Hates Foul Throws comes from the Emirates:#CelebrityRefs

(via @Shit_PunditsSay)https://t.co/nBGGBqBD1V

— Celebrity Refs (@CelebrityRefs) October 22, 2016

Skills to pay the bills

Mike Dean was in incredible form last night. First a no-look booking and then an outrageous dummy. #EFC #LFC pic.twitter.com/KUM5egzcnR

— Planet Football (@planetfutebol) December 20, 2016

Getting involved

#OnThisDay – Mike Dean having a piece of the greatest Premier League moment.#CelebrityRefs

(via @Pennington84)https://t.co/5mBYEmBDVG

— Celebrity Refs (@CelebrityRefs) May 13, 2017

Born this way

Vintage Deanie proving he's been pure showbiz from the very start…#CelebrityRefs

(via @BenJackson1994)https://t.co/Lwb51xQwv2

— Celebrity Refs (@CelebrityRefs) October 19, 2016

The bum tap

Good to see Mike Dean taking mateyness with players to second base.

(via @AshtonJones)#CelebrityRefs pic.twitter.com/EOMixKkTxU

— Celebrity Refs (@CelebrityRefs) February 28, 2016

Record breaker

Mike Dean has now shown more red cards than any PL club has ever received. #showbiz

Mike Dean 89
Everton 88
Arsenal 84
Newcastle 80
Chelsea 78

— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) February 5, 2018

Points mean prizes

Someone needs to tell the Dean to be a bit clearer with the goal kick signals#CelebrityRefs

(via @AnthonyHufton)pic.twitter.com/ESLDKo3bGM

— Celebrity Refs (@CelebrityRefs) October 16, 2016

Red rage

The only thing more dangerous than touching Mike Dean is touching his cards.#CelebrityRefs

(via @TheThomas_)https://t.co/rIu10H1kfr

— Celebrity Refs (@CelebrityRefs) February 18, 2016

Blow your whistle, bitch

Well this is absolutely sensational: Darude ft. Mike Dean – Sandstorm

Courtesy of @MPH1982 #CelebrityRefs https://t.co/rjayOoJv9l

— Celebrity Refs (@CelebrityRefs) January 2, 2017

King of charades

Textbook.#CelebrityRefs

(via @dashby)
pic.twitter.com/uGf0483YMC

— Celebrity Refs (@CelebrityRefs) May 17, 2017

**Tired of this sh*t**

It's Mike Dean's world and we're all just living in it.#CelebrityRefs

(via @jacksavagee_) pic.twitter.com/UeubWP5ttz

— Celebrity Refs (@CelebrityRefs) August 20, 2016