Mystery as referee probed over claims he wore bodycam in kids’ footie match without permission
A REF is being probed over claims he wore a bodycam in a kids’ footie match without permission.
The match official told the coaches it was part of an FA-backed VAR-style trial.
But when they double-checked, they were told there was no trial.
An investigation has been launched by Northumberland and Durham County FAs following the U13 game in the Russell Foster Youth League.
Refs wore bodycams in four grassroots leagues last season to see if respect improved — but only in adult matches and not in that area.
Durham FA chief John Topping said they do not know if he was actually wearing video equipment.
But he added: “He informed the coaches he was recording everything.
“They couldn’t understand because the FA did do a pilot a few months ago with bodycams but not here.”
Local football chiefs said they are investigating after a ref registered to Northumberland FA allegedly used a body-worn camera at a recent fixture.
They added: “We must clarify that referees are not currently permitted to use body-worn cameras at any time.”