RefCam makes its debut! Referee wears head-mounted camera during Premier League for the first time as Man United visit Crystal Palace

History was made as referee Jarred Gillett wore a camera during Monday’s Premier league clash between Crystal Palace and Manchester United.

Mounted to his head and connected to the referee’s usual communications system, it was the first time that one had been worn by an official in the top flight.

The scheme has been approved for educational purposes by both clubs, the International Football Association Board, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited and the Premier League. 

The footage will not be broadcast live as it is set to feature in a short programme intended to offer ‘further insight and education into the demands of officiating in the Premier League’ which will air at a later date.

While the clash will mark the first utilisation in a Premier League clash, the concept of officials wearing mounted cameras during games to offer fans a unique perspective is not a new one.

During a pre-season friendly between Chelsea and Brighton in July, referee Rob Jones wore a camera mounted on his chest as the Blues ran out 4-3 winners in Philadelphia.

A chest-mounted camera was also used in the clash between Arsenal and the MLS All-Stars in pre-season, with clips uploaded online from the referee’s perspective.

A head-mounted RefCam has also been introduced in the German top flight this season, with match official Daniel Schlager wearing a camera during the 2-2 draw between Frankfurt and Wolfsburg in February.

The Bundesliga later shared clips from the game from Schlager’s perspective in a compilation on YouTube, featuring conversations with players, deliberations with his fellow officials and his close-up view of the action.

The camera was mounted to his head and connected to the usual communications system