Why Crystal Palace vs Manchester United referee is wearing a head-camera
Referee Jarred Gillett will tonight wear a ‘RefCam’ during Crystal Palace’s home clash with Manchester United in a Premier League first.
The 37-year-old Australian will wear a head-mounted device that will be hooked up to the audio channel used by the referees.
It is designed to show the demand put on referees in Premier League matches and offer fans a unique new insight as part of a programme which Premier League Productions are currently producing.
A statement published by the Premier League read: “In a Premier League first, referee Jarred Gillett will wear a "RefCam" during the Crystal Palace v Manchester United fixture on Monday 6 May, as part of filming for a one-off short programme promoting Match Officials.
“This footage will not be broadcast live but fans will be able to view it 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 comprises a head-mounted device which is integrated into the usual referee communications system.
“Its one-off use for educational purposes has been approved by The IFAB, the Premier League, PGMOL and both clubs. We would like to thank Crystal Palace and Manchester United for their support with this project.”
United, in eighth, are level on points with Chelsea in seventh. The match at Selhurst Park is their game in hand, so they will leapfrog their rivals with a win or a draw.
