RefCam may be a new improvement in the Premier League as referee Jarred Gillett was seen wearing the new technology during a match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United on Monday, May 6.
The RefCam was mounted to the referee’s head and connected to the VAR’s usual communications system. It was the first time a referee used the technology to officiate a Premier League game.
Footage from the RefCam has been published, giving fans their first-ever opportunity to watch a Premier League game from the point of view of a referee.
Note that the camera was approved by The IFAB, the Premier League, PGMOL, and both clubs.
Although the camera footage was not shown live, the resourceful footage was produced by Premier League Productions to produce a deeper awareness of the difficulties facing the referees in the top tier of English football.
The video released by the Premier League production includes audio and pre-match protocols, from walking out of the tunnel to the referee’s pre-match handshakes with players as well as the coin toss with the Crystal Palace and Man United captains Joachim Andersen and Casemiro.
However, what the Crystal Palace fans would be more willing to see was the penalty claim which was denied by the center referee at the time of playing.
The referee can be heard saying he felt Tyrick Mitchel ran into Man United defender Jonny Evans before going to the ground.
In one of the clips, Gillett is heard explaining his decision and discussing it with VAR Tony Harrington, who confirms the on-field decision not to award a penalty.
After Mitchell went down in the box, Gillett said: “No, no, no way, no. He’s run into him, for me.
“The attacker has run into (Jonny) Evans, for me. That’s how I read it.” VAR Harrington, then replies: “checking possible penalty,” and quickly decides: “I’m happy that’s not a penalty.”
Gillett added: “Yeah, agree,” and proceeded to tell players: “Confirming on-field decision of play on, no penalty.”
What fans are saying about the RefCam
Some fans across the globe praised the introduction of the new technology while others see it as “old school”.
A fan made a mockery of the RefCam on Instagram by saying; “They used it in on the wrong game I guess”.
Another fan said; “Still couldn’t make the right decision”.
A third fan wrote; “Just thinking, why not put the camera at the centre of the head”.
Another fan said; ” I thought this was the old-school Nike football commercial for a second”.
However, one of the fans showed his appreciation and was quick to comment; “Would happily watch a game like that”.
