Sign up to FREE email alerts from Mirror - Arsenal FC Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Referee Mike Dean is being given a pre-match presentation to mark his 500th game.

Dean will get a commemorative medal before taking charge of Arsenal ’s home game with Sheffield United as English football’s arguably most notorious official is honoured.

Arsenal are also marking the occasion by taking part in the Premier League presentation which is due to be made in the referees’ room ahead of the game.

Tranmere fan Dean, 51, is way ahead of every other official with Martin Atkinson next on the list, having taken charge of 397 games.

Dean said: “The game this weekend will be a special one of course, but there is still a match to officiate so my focus will be on that.

“My wife Karam, eldest daughter Zara and my grandson Harvey will all be there to watch, as will a very good friend of mine, Dave Somers, a former SFA referee who will travel down from Scotland. My other daughter Brittany won’t be coming as her priority with be watching Tranmere, as always!”

(Image: REUTERS)

It is ironic that Dean’s 500th game comes at the Emirates because he has often been seen as public enemy No1 by Arsenal fans and known for a string of high-profile rows over decisions.

Dean, renowned for being extravagant when making decisions, had his most infamous Arsenal bust-up with former manager Arsene Wenger who called the official a “disgrace” in December 2017.

Wenger got a three game touchline ban and £40,000 fine after storming into the referees’ dressing room at West Brom after the home side were given a last gasp penalty.

But now Dean - who became the first referee in Premier League history to dish out 100 red cards - will get the VIP treatment at the Emirates ahead of his landmark game.

(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

It is believed that Dean has no plans on retiring any time soon and theoretically he could carry on for at least another two seasons as long as he can pass the referees’ fitness test.

But Dean was quick to recall the most memorable game he has been in charge of in the Premier League. “That’s an easy one – it has to be Manchester City v QPR in May 2012,” he said.

“With what was at stake and to be trusted to referee such an important game on the final day of the season and with the ending, it will live long in the memory.

“As a refereeing team, we didn’t know what was happening in other games but you could sense that City needed a winner to win the title and when Aguero went through on goal, there was only going to be one outcome.

(Image: Getty Images)

“The best player for me was Eric Cantona. He could do things on the pitch which you just thought to yourself ‘how the hell has he done that!’. In terms of toughest players… there are too many to mention!”

Dean was also asked who was the best and toughest manager to deal with. “It would have to be the same answer to both questions. Sir Alex Ferguson has to be the best and toughest!

“To stay in charge of a team at the top level for so long has to be admired and I have a lot of respect for him.”