Amazon Prime are pushing for the referees to be given mics
The French top-flight is considering equipping their referees with microphones in games as part of games broadcasted live on television from next season.
As per RMC Sport, Ligue 1’s primary broadcaster Amazon Prime want officials be to mic’d up to allow viewers at home to understand why decisions have been given and help to provide clarity on the thinking behind certain calls during the game.
Amazon recently had a bid accepted to feature eight live games per game week on their streaming service which will begin from next season.
The popular service, who also feature Premier League and LaLiga games on their platform, said that by introducing referees with microphones it will help to “improve the quality of the broadcast” and help “the understanding of refereeing decisions.”
Whilst it has yet to have been confirmed if it the idea will definitely go ahead, there have already been trials put in place. Last month’s league fixture between Marseille and Angers saw referee Jérémy Stinat mic’d up – with fans able to hear everything he said.
Both the French Football Federation and it’s internal referees’ organisation are in favour of introducing the idea but any decision would have to be approved by the International Football Association Board.
There have been calls to introduce the idea in the Premier League – largely to help with supporters when it comes to the thinking behind decisions such as VAR-related calls.
Other sports have also shown the potential for it’s success, most notably rugby union, where referees are mic’d up and conversations with both players and other officials on the pitch can be heard.
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