'I never shook his hand' - Gabby Agbonlahor claims legendary referee “would crumble” at the influence of Man Utd and Chelsea stars

Gabby Agbonlahor claimed Mike Dean “would crumble” at the influence of Man Utd and Chelsea players.

The former England international alleged that Dean’s decisions would be influenced by United and Chelsea stars - despite the referee having sent off 14 of their players combined during his time in the top flight.

Disgruntled fans have also accused Dean of bias in the past, despite the 55-year-old’s having publicly expressed his allegiance to Tranmere Rovers.

Nevertheless, ex-Aston Villa skipper Agbonlahor claimed Dean treated star names more favourably than other players.

Speaking on TalkSPORT the 36-year-old revealed he never shook Dean’s hand after matches, and claimed: "He would crumble under the influence of the Man Utd and Chelsea boys.

"The Rios [Rio Ferdinand], the JTs [John Terry]. You couldn't talk to him. You know the arrogant referees... you'd say: 'Come on Mike!' (And he would reply) 'Get out of here you'.

"So Mike Dean was one that I didn't like."

Dean began officiating in 1985 and progressed from refereeing in the Football League a decade later to Premier League officiating in 2000.

However, he called time on his refereeing career at the end of the 2021-22 campaign, after 22 years as a top-flight referee, and 10 years as a FIFA-listed official.

Dean took charge of over 550 fixtures in that time and handed out more than 100 red cards, while he also took charge of the FA Cup and League Cup finals at Wembley in 2008 and 2011 respectively.

Moreover, he found time to support his beloved Tranmere Rovers, having been spotted cheering them on live on Sky Sports, even once stepping in as an emergency official.

Dean became a dedicated Premier League video assistant referee last season but in July it was announced he would step down from the job and leave officiating for good.

He will now form part of the new-look new Soccer Saturday programme on Sky Sports. The former referee will offer in-depth analysis and insight on the biggest decisions made up and down the country every Saturday.

The role is similar to that of his former colleague Peter Walton on the newly-branded TNT Sports.