Mike Dean branded "pompous" by Garth Crooks after years of controversy

Garth Crooks has slammed Mike Dean as “pompous and flamboyant” ahead of the referee’s retirement at the end of the season.

Dean officiated a staggering 553 Premier League matches since he began in 2000. In that time he was given the reins on numerous big clashes, and on occasion the 53-year-old triggered the anger of fans and managers with his showman-like behaviour.

He handed out a record 114 red cards which epitomised his no-nonsense approach, while also rubbing many up the wrong way. And BBC columnist Crooks is firmly placed in that camp, slating the English official as he looks to hang up his whistle.

Crooks explained on BBC Sport: “I would like to say thanks for the memories but I can't. One manager was of the view when he heard the news that Dean should have retired 10 years ago. Well, I wouldn't go quite that far but the referee does have a habit of bringing those emotions out in people.

“He has been at the centre of too many controversial decisions over the years. His pompous manner and flamboyant behaviour on the pitch have left many confused and angry when all we wanted to do was enjoy the game.”

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Crooks went on to give an example of a match where he believes Dean mishandled a situation. The retired former Tottenham striker claimed he went “ballistic” after witnessing Dean’s “self-indulgence” in a Chelsea v Arsenal clash back in 2015.

He said “There was a moment I completely lost it with Dean on Final Score. Arsenal were playing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and it was by far the game of the day. The match was finely balanced with the battle between Arsenal centre-back Gabriel and Chelsea striker Diego Costa very much the feature of the match.

“A meaningless tussle ensued between the two players resulting in Dean giving Gabriel his marching orders. It is a habit Dean has repeated more than any other Premier League referee but, more importantly, it destroyed what was an excellent football match and the spectacle the fans had come to see in a crass moment of total self-indulgence. I went ballistic.”

He added: “Sadly, on too many occasions, Dean has allowed the big moments to cloud his judgement. Staying calm and objective under extreme pressure is what defines a great referee. I just wish Dean had possessed both those qualities when it mattered.”

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