Former Premier League referee Mike Dean denies intent to undermine refereeing integrity after whistle-delay claims

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean says he did not intend to "undermine the integrity of refereeing" after claiming that he used to play mini-games to amuse himself during matches.

Dean had told Jamie Vardy's podcast that he would try to go as long as possible without blowing his whistle, or stay standing in the centre circle.

"We used to say, 'we'll kick off now. Right, see how long we can go without blowing a whistle'", Dean said.

"I've done that a few times in the Premier League, before VAR obviously - went 20, 25 minutes without blowing a whistle."

The 58-year-old has come in for considerable criticism for his comments with another former Premier League referee, Mark Halsey, telling BBC Sport that it had added extra pressure on officials today.

Dean posted a statement on his Instagram story on Friday where he did not retract his claim, but sought to explain the context.

"Throughout my 25 years as a professional referee, I have always applied the Laws of the Game to the best of my ability," Dean wrote.

"My approach as a referee was always to allow the game to flow and whenever possible I preferred to apply a high threshold for contact which the players liked.

"However, if I saw a foul challenge that needed me to take the appropriate action I would give it from the correct position.

"At no stage was it my intention to question, criticise or undermine the integrity of refereeing in this country.

"I have always respected the profession and the responsibility that comes with being a referee."

But is there any evidence that Dean did in fact play these games?

Halsey said it would be "impossible" to hold the whistle for just a few minutes, let alone more than 20.

So BBC Sport looked at the Premier League games officiated by Dean from 2008-09 until 2018-19, when the video assistant referee was introduced.

The focus was on more than 200 games that were 0-0 after 15 minutes, meaning there would be no need for a whistle for a kick off after a goal.

Are there any games which might provide evidence that Dean was playing around?

Only five such examples could be found, with no game reaching 20 minutes.

The longest was 18 minutes 50 seconds for a game involving West Brom and Man United, which Crystal Palace and Stoke at 18 minutes 20 seconds.

This did back up Dean's claim to have "a high threshold", with no clear evidence of obviously missed free-kicks.