Ex-PGMOL chief names the three contenders to referee Arsenal vs Man City
Arsenal’s key clash with Man City was likely chosen specially by the PGMOL for the trial of new refereeing technology, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that ref cams being introduced for Arsenal versus Man City at the Emirates, fans will be given a better idea of the officials’ view.
Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola are set to go toe-to-toe on Sunday, 21 September, with last season’s meetings providing plenty of drama between the two teams in the race for the Premier League title.
Arne Slot lifted the Premier League title with Liverpool, beating both to the trophy, but their battles made for very interesting viewing for the neutral fan, and now further technology is being introduced.
Arsenal and Man City ready to clash at the Emirates Stadium
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Erling Haaland angered Arteta with comments about “staying humble” last season, with the Norwegian striker later being taunted by Myles Lewis-Skelly during a 5-1 win for the Gunners.
Gabriel Magalhaes also avoided a booking against Haaland, winding the player up for much of the surprise game at the Emirates, but very little was covered up close by pitch-side cameras.
Now, these incidents can be caught on a ref cam for the entire audience, but Hackett is not completely sold on the idea ahead of their meeting.
PGMOL choose key clash for technology experiment
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “What it will do is give the audience a view of what the referee has seen. I think it will give credence to further forensic examination of the referee’s decision and open up the debate.
“We’ve had announcements added, which are all for the referee to contend with. The important thing with that particular game is that you need your top-level, high-performing referee.
“You’ve got Anthony Taylor, Michael Oliver, and probably Jarred Gillett as the guys who are the most in-form and can deliver a good performance.
“It probably has been [chosen on purpose]. I just wonder who has made the selection. Do the Premier League make it, or does the PGMOL?
“What we’re not going to get is footage of players questioning the referee’s decision, so I think it will be very carefully used. Let’s hope it is, because it’s an intrusion.”