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On Monday, May 6, Premier League announced that the referee will be wearing a “RefCam” for the first-time ever during Manchester United’s trip to Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace later today. The referee Jarred Gillett will don the camera for the Premier League “as part of the filming for a one-off short programme promoting match officials.”
As per the press release from the Premier League, the footage from the “RefCam” during Crystal Palace versus Manchester United, will not be broadcasted live. It will be available for viewing “later in the year as part of a programme being produced by Premier League Productions (PLP) aimed at offering further insight and education into the demands of officiating in the Premier League.”
The technology set to be used for the “RefCam” comprises a head-mounted device, integrated into the usual referee communications system. The one-off use of the technology for educational purposes has already got the approval from the IFAB, the Premier League, PGMOL, and both clubs, Crystal Palace and Manchester United.
Notably, in February of this year, the referee Daniel Schlager wore a camera and microphone during a Bundesliga clash between Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolfsburg, which ended in a 2-2 draw. The footage from the referee’s camera was used for a programme, which was called, “Referees Mic’d up - Bundesliga.”
