Premier League to finally trial new camera during Crystal Palace vs Man Utd that fans have long called for

The Premier League have announced that they are trialling a new camera during Crystal Palace's home fixture against Manchester United on Monday that fans have long been calling for.

Viewers of English football have seen plenty of innovation when it comes to camera work over the years, ranging from player-locked cameras to drones and sideline footage.

In pre-season, meanwhile, Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans was one of several players to use a bodycam during a match - and the footage gained from it was incredible.

Now, the league have announced that, during the Crystal Palace versus Manchester United match on Monday evening, referee Jarrad Gillett will wear what is being described as a 'RefCam', allowing fans to witness the action from the referee's point of view.

BREAKING: 🚨 Jarred Gillett will be wearing a "RefCam" for tonight’s match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United as part of filming for a one-off programme promoting Match Officials 📷 pic.twitter.com/AbkYq5lvaZ

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 6, 2024

Unfortunately, the footage will not be available immediately, but the Premier League have confirmed it will be released in full at a later date.

The idea behind the camera is to use the footage for an upcoming programme that will promote match officials.

The way it works involves a head-mounted device, which is integrated into the referee's communication system.

And while it is described as a one-off use of the camera for now, as part of the documentary, a successful trial could mean the Premier League introduces it on a more regular basis.

The concept was trialled in the United States during a pre-season match, with the referee wearing a bodycam during MLS All-Stars vs Arsenal.

The camera gave viewers insight into communications between the match referee and his officiating team, live reactions from the players and another angle of key match moments.

It also captured moments between the referee and players that may not even have been spotted on the live broadcast, as well as communication with medical staff and others during intervals in play.