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

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)
— 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#CelebrityRefspic.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"#CelebrityRefshttp://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)#CelebrityRefspic.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#CelebrityRefshttps://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
Camera ready
Vive la Dean#CelebrityRefs
(via @kirancmoodley)https://t.co/mcfoAGpVm3
— Celebrity Refs (@CelebrityRefs) October 16, 2016
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