When Mike Dean 'celebrated' Spurs' goal vs Aston Villa as he nears retirement

Mike Dean is retiring from on-field refereeing, according to the Telegraph.

The Englishman has been a Premier League referee since 2000.

But it is reported that he will call it a day at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Dean, now 53, could take up a role as a permanent Video Assistant Referee.

The Telegraph report that he is in negotiations to continue as one of only two full-time Vars who are not required to do any on-field refereeing.

Dean has enjoyed so many iconic moments over the past 22 years.

He is a massive character who has gone viral numerous times for his bizarre on-field actions.

One of his best ever moments on a football pitch came back in November 2015 in the Premier League clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.

In just the third minute, Mousa Dembele made his way into Villa’s box while under pressure from Ciaran Clark.

Clark was pulling his opponent back but Dean decided to play advantage.

And that proved to be a wise decision as Dembele smashed the ball past Brad Guzan to give his side the lead.

Dean was ecstatic with his decision.

The Englishman wheeled away and pointed to the half-way line to signal a goal. Many thought he was ‘celebrating’ Spurs’ goal and you can watch it below…

Dean may have been happier than Spurs’ players themselves! Full credit to him for allowing play to continue. It would have been very easy for him to call a foul.

Reflecting on the moment in 2020, Dean said, per football.london: “I wouldn’t say it was a goal celebration, I was celebrating an advantage.

“I kind of got carried away with it, with the whole day really, it is a foul, I’ve played on and I probably shouldn’t have put my arms out.”

He continued: “You’ve got to enjoy yourself, I love the job, that kind of comes