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

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

Mounted on the head and connected to the referee’s usual communications system, it was the first time an elite official had worn it.

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

The footage will not be broadcast live as it is expected to feature in a short program intended to provide “further insight and education into the demands of refereeing in the Premier League”, which will be broadcast at a later date.

Although this clash will mark the first time it has been used in a Premier League clash, the concept of officials wearing mounted cameras during matches to give fans a unique perspective is not new.

Referee Jarred Gillett hears headcam as Man United face Palace

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

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

A head-mounted RefCam has also been introduced in Germany’s top flight this season, with match referee Daniel Schlager wearing a camera during Frankfurt’s 2-2 draw with Wolfsburg in February.

The Bundesliga then shared clips of the match 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 on his head and connected to the usual communication system