Australian Jarred Gillett is now officially part of Premier League folklore, becoming the first referee to wear a camera during a match.
Gillett, one of the most distinguished referees in Australia’s A-League competition, wore the equipment during the match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United on Monday (Tuesday AEST).
The Premier League said footage from the camera would not be broadcast live, but that it was set to form part of a program to be screened later in the year that it is hoped will “offer further insight and education into the demands of officiating” at the top level.
Gillett wore a head-mounted device, which is integrated into the usual referee communications system.
The one-off use of the camera was approved by the game’s lawmakers, the International Football Association Board, as well as the Premier League, Professional Game Match Officials Limited and the clubs involved.
“We would like to thank Crystal Palace and Manchester United for their support with this project,” the Premier League said in a statement.
Gillett officiated in Australia’s A-League competition from 2010-19, before moving to Britain.
He was in charge of the A-League grand final five times, and was named the competition’s best referee on five occiasions.