‘RefCam’ will be in action
The referee for tonight’s match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United will wear camera in a Premier League first.
Jarred Gillett will wear a head-mounted video camera, called RefCam, during Monday night’s match at Selhurst Park.
Whilst the footage will not be broadcast live, it will be used in a one-off programme providing insight into officiating in the Premier League, which is set to aired later this year.
It will be the first time a referee has worn a video camera during a Premier League.
Bodycams were trialled by the Football Association in adult grassroots football last year with the aim of reducing the amount of abuse officials at that level experience.
Cameras have also been worn by referees in other competitions. In February, Bundesliga referee Daniel Schlager wore a camera and microphone during a 2-2 draw between Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolfsburg.
Palace and United take each other on at 20:00 this evening at Selhurst Park. Whilst the London side have already guaranteed their Premier League survival for another year, it’s a huge game for United if they want to maintain their chances of qualifying for Europe.
A win for the Red Devils would take them into sixth place, just three points behind Tottenham in fifth.
The fifth placed team in the Premier League will qualify for next season’s Europa League, although sixth will also qualify if Manchester City win the FA Cup.
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