Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has released an explanation on social media following backlash to his recent comments on a podcast.Dean admitted that he would set himself challenges during matches, seeing how long he could go without blowing his whistle and how long he could stay in the centre circle during matches.Mike Dean officiated more than 500 top-flight games in a long careerGettyBut he has faced criticism since, with talkSPORT’s Jason Cundy and Gabby Agbonlahor slamming him for his admission.Now, Dean has posted on his Instagram about his comments.“Throughout my 25 years as a professional referee, I have always applied the Laws of the Game to the best of my ability,” he wrote.“My approach as a referee was always to allow the game to flow, and wherever possible I prefer to apply a high threshold for contact, which the players liked.“However, if I saw a 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.”What did Mike Dean say?Dean, who officiated more than 500 top flight games, made the comments on the Jamie Vardy’ Having a Party podcastDean told the podcast: “There used to be games that we used to have, as a laugh, we used to say, ‘Right, we’ll kick off now, right? See how long we can go without blowing a whistle.’ “Done that a few times in the Premier League, before VAR obviously. Went 20–25 minutes without blowing a whistle a few times. Let it go, let it go, let it go.Dean has now released a statement on InstagramAlamy“I used to do another thing in the Premier League. I used to stand in the centre circle and see how long I could stay in the centre circle before I had to leave. That was just me joking about. “The lads used to be on the line saying ‘you can’t’. I said ‘I’ll try it’. I just used to run around but don’t come out of it. Got about 15 minutes once in one game, without leaving the centre circle.”Pro Ref (formerly PGMOL), the body responsible for professional refereeing, is said to have reviewed the claims and it has been reported there is no evidence to suggest such practices did happen. Ex-Premier League referee verdictFormer Premier League referee Graham Scott told talkSPORT: “I could imagine a situation in which he thought after 20 minutes of not giving one, let’s see how long it goes. But by the time he gets in the pub at half past ten at night, that became, oh, yeah, we decided beforehand we weren’t going to give anything. I can kind of see how that might work.“But it’s so dispiriting because being a referee is difficult. I think most people I speak to go, I couldn’t do your job.“As much as I would criticise you. I have every sympathy. I say, well, thank you for that. It’s very kind.“But it makes it so much harder when retired referees either bash their former colleagues for the sake of it or to find criticism.“I do that, but do it with a bit of context and a bit of empathy or do this, which is to embellish stories to the point where they’re saying it just for effect. It’s very, very sad, really.”