Referee Jarred Gillett wore a video camera during Palace’s 4-0 win over United in a Premier League first.

Fascinating ‘ref cam’ footage has been released from Manchester United’s humiliating defeat to Crystal Palace.

In a Premier League first, referee Jarred Gillett wore a video camera in Palace’s 4-0 win over United at Selhurst Park on Monday night.

The one-off decision was made with the full permission of IFAB, with the footage to be used and edited for an educational programme providing insight into Premier League officials.

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It is the first time a Premier League referee has worn a camera in an official match, although Rob Jones wore one during the 2023 Summer Series match between Chelsea and Brighton.

Meanwhile, in another pre-season Summer Series game, referee Peter Bankes captured a stunning Harry Wilson goal for Fulham against Brentford. Check it out below.

Sky Sports has now published footage of Palace’s win over United from Gillett’s perspective and it makes for incredible viewing.

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Gillett can be seen shaking hands with both sets of players before the game, sharing words with several of United’s team.

He is then seen conducting the coin toss with United’s stand-in captain on the night Casemiro and Palace skipper Joachim Andersen.

The clip later shows Gillett rejecting a penalty appeal from Palace, with the official clearly heard saying: “No, no way, no.

“The attacker as run into [Jonny] Evans, for me. That’s how I read it.”

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The VAR official can then be heard speaking to Gillett, saying: “Checking for a possible penalty.

“I’m happy that’s not a penalty. Confirming on field decision and then play on.”

Gillett then says “confirmed, thanks” with the match resuming.

The footage has provided fascinating insight into the perspective of a referee during a Premier League match, and the process for communication with the VAR officials.

The Football Association (FA) began to roll out body-worn cameras in grassroots football as part of a trial in four counties in England last year to “improve participant behaviour and respect towards referees”.

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After figures showed allegations of serious offences against grassroots match officials, the trial was expanded to eight counties last December.

Paul Field, president of England’s Referees’ Association, said at the time verbal and physical abuse of grassroots referees in the country was getting so bad that lives were at risk.

“You are decision away from a smack in the mouth. One day in this country a referee will lose his or her life,” he told the BBC.

“It happened in Holland a few years ago and they really changed their culture in football.”

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At present, there are no plans to permanently use ref cams in the Premier League.

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports

Topics: Manchester United, Crystal Palace, Premier League, VAR, Football

Rory O’Callaghan

Rory O’Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.