English referees to wear BODYCAMS in world’s first trial, FA announces | The Sun

BODYCAMS for referees will be trialled for the first time in the world, the FA has announced.

The hope behind the trial is to encourage better behaviour towards officials, according to FA chief executive Mark Bullingham.

The trial will take place in four grassroots leagues in England.

It will start this weekend in Middlesbrough and will then be tried in Liverpool, Worcester and Essex.

A hundred officials will have the equipment in the adult grassroots leagues and the footage will be available for usage in disciplinary hearings if needed.

If the trial goes well then it will be added to more grassroots leagues in the 2023/24 season.

READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS

Spurs fan banned from games for 4 years after kicking Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale

Ladbrokes – Newcastle vs Liverpool: Bet £5 on the Premier League and Get £20 bonus

Bullingham said: "Referees are the lifeblood of our game and we thank Ifab for its support in allowing us to undertake this new grassroots bodycam trial, the first of its nature globally.

"We have listened to feedback from the referee community, and we hope this trial will have a positive impact on the behaviour towards them.

"So that ultimately they can enjoy officiating in a safe and inclusive environment."

Hundreds of officials have told a BBC questionnaire that they have "feared for their safety".

Most read in Football

Francis agony

Ex-Arsenal star Coquelin carried off in tears afterhorror knee injury

Fan shame

Man Utd and Leeds release joint statements slamming supporters for vile chants

RED-EMPTION

Ex-Utd star shows fans what they’re missing as he scores screamer for new club

CHECK NATE

Nathan Jones SACKED by Southampton after horror run leaves club bottom of Prem

HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

And 293 out of 900 referees have said that they have been physically abused by players, coaches, managers or spectators.

A BBC report also suggested that some spoke about being "being punched, headbutted and spat at".

Source: Read Full Article