In a Premier League first, referee Jarred Gillett wore a “RefCam” during yesterday evening’s Crystal Palace v Manchester United fixture (Monday 6 May).
The footage captured by the ear-mounted device was not broadcast live. Instead, viewers will be able to watch it later this year as part of a programme produced by Premier League Productions (PLP) aimed at offering further insight and education into the demands of officiating in the Premier League.
The technology comprises a head-mounted device which is integrated into the usual referee communications system.
Its one-off use for “educational purposes” was approved by the IFAB, the Premier League, PGMOL and both clubs.
It follows the use of a referee-mounted camera during a German Bundesliga fixture for the first time back in February, when the official in charge of the tie between Eintracht Frankfurt and VfL Wolfsburg was equipped with a Riedel-developed camera and microphone.
Read more Referee-mounted camera used in German Bundesliga for first time
Referee Daniel Schlager was fitted with the RefCam device to provide viewers with a close-up view of the referee’s perspective and to show the challenges faced by match officials.