Former Premier League referee Mike Dean insists he has "always respected the profession" - after revealing he used to "joke about" and play "games" during matches.
Dean, who refereed in 553 Premier League fixtures across more than two decades until 2022, made the initial confession on Jamie Vardy's Having a Party podcast on Thursday.
He said he "went 20 to 25 minutes" without blowing a whistle "a few times" and once spent "about 15 minutes" in the centre circle during a game.
Dean's claims were met with bemusement by those currently involved in officiating, with some noting a lack of factual detail in his stories.
The former referee has since defended his comments in an Instagram story he shared on Friday, saying he "always applied the laws of the game to the best of my ability".
Dean went on: "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."
Keith Hackett, Dean's former boss at Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) between 2004 and 2010, earlier claimed that he was in "fantasy land".
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He posted on X on Thursday that "referees' performances were forensically examined" when he was in charge.
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor told talkSPORT: "He's trying to be funny, but it's not funny. You're not funny, Mike Dean, that sums you up.
"He's throwing himself under the bus. This is the Premier League. Are you a child?"
(c) Sky News 2026: Ex-referee Mike Dean responds after backlash over revelations on Jamie Vardy podcast
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