Referee to don head-mounted camera in Palace vs united Premier League clash

Manchester United`s Dutch manager Erik ten Hag (L) speaks with Manchester United`s English striker #10 Marcus Rashford (R) as he is substituted (Pic: AFP)

Referee Jarred Gillett will wear a camera during Monday's Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United, officials have announced.

The Premier League stressed footage from the camera will not be broadcast live, but rather used as part of a programme to be shown later in the year that aimed to "offer further insight and education into the demands of officiating" in English football's top flight.

Gillett will wear a head-mounted device that will form part of the standard referee communication system for major fixtures. The one-off use of the camera has been approved by the sport's lawmakers, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), as well as the Premier League, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) 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.

The league said the head-mounted device, or 'RefCam' as it is being called, worn by Jarred Gillett at Selhurst Park will be integrated into the referee's usual communications system.

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The technology is being used on a one-off basis, the league said, as part of filming for a short program promoting match officials. The footage will not be broadcast live.

"Fans will be able to view it later in the year as part of a program...aimed at offering further insight and education into the demands of officiating in the Premier League," the competition said.

Meanwhile, it was reported that England defender Maguire will be sidelined for around three weeks with a muscle injury. His absence will another selection blow for under-fire United boss Erik ten Hag after he had to play Brazil midfielder Casemiro in central defence for last weekend's 1-1 draw with Burnley.

That was due to United's lengthy list of absentees, which was into double figures even before the Maguire setback. Ten Hag suggested on Thursday that Jonny Evans may return for the Palace clash, but he will definitely be without Victor Lindelof (hamstring), Lisandro Martinez (calf) and Raphael Varane (muscle).

For the unversed, United have dropped to eighth in the Premier League, after victories for Chelsea and Newcastle this weekend, and need to get back to winning ways at Palace to boost their hopes of a top-six finish.

(With agency inputs)