The Premier League announced on Monday that referee Jared Gillett will wear a camera for the first time in the history of the top league during the match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United, as part of filming for a promotional program about match referees. The league stated in a statement: "Fans will be able to view the footage later this year as part of a program produced by a company associated with the league aimed at enhancing understanding and appreciation of the referees' methods in the Premier League."
It clarified that "the technology consists of a camera mounted on the head integrated with the referee's usual communication system," adding: "The use of this technology has been approved by FIFA, the Premier League, the referees' committee, and both clubs for a one-time use for educational purposes. We would like to thank Crystal Palace and Manchester United for their support of this project."
Last year, the English Football Association announced that it would trial the use of cameras on referees in amateur leagues in England to determine whether the technology could help "improve the behavior and respect of participants towards referees." The German league also used a "referee camera" for the first time during the 2-2 draw between Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolfsburg last February.
