PREMIERSHIP referee Mike Dean, who was due to take charge of Wanderers' game at Newcastle, is the subject of an internal investigation from his bosses into claims he abused his profile for financial gain as the head of a horse-racing operation.

The 36-year-old has been suspended from his duties by the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd, the body responsible for providing referees to top-flight matches.

The crux of the investigation would appear to centre on whether Dean has played on his status as a well-known figure in football to gain a financial advantage in racing.

He advertised the partnership business in a recent edition of the Racing Post, in which it was stated: "Join Premiership referee, Mike Dean, in this great, new, exciting venture."

Such wording might work against Dean, described as the partnership manager, while the PGMO could also seek comment from Dean as to why he had not informed them of his new venture.

As a business, Arbitros Racing venture would not appear to impact on Dean's footballing duties.

It currently focuses on the progress of one racehorse, Miss Tickle, in which shares are available under what is forthrightly identified as the OFFSIDE' partnership, and invites potential investors to fund its development with a view to profiting depending on its subsequent performance.

A PGMO spokesman told the News of the World: "He is a public figure, and certain standards are expected of him. People here have looked at what he is doing."

A statement from the referees' body added: "The board will now investigate whether Mike Dean has breached his employment contract with PGMO, which requires officials to notify and seek approval of various other activities - including additional employment or the use of their status as a PGMO official for promotional purposes.

"The board has taken this prompt action to protect all parties concerned, and it is right that Mike Dean should not officiate until this matter is resolved to the board's satisfaction."

As a top-flight referee, Dean is entitled to a significant annual retainer plus match fees, however despite his professionalism, he is also allowed to pursue a career outside of the game.

Dean is in his fourth year as a top-flight referee, and has insisted he will not compromise his integrity by recruiting footballers as members of the partnership, in which 20 shares of the horse have been made available, at a monthly cost of £95.