To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

First Premier League Oversees Referee Was Once Mic'd Up For A Game

First Premier League Oversees Referee Was Once Mic'd Up For A Game

Jarred Gillett will become the first ever oversees referee in the Premier League when he takes charge of Watford vs Newcastle.

The Premier League revealed that history will be made on Saturday, when Watford vs Newcastle United has the league's first ever overseas referee, and fans have been a fan of his for a while.

Barely a week goes by when someone doesn't have a problem with a referees decision, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer showing his disgust at the weekend by throwing his water bottle.

This weekend, fans will have a new man in black to be annoyed with, when Australian Jarred Gillett takes charge of Watford's game at home to Newcastle United.

Fans might not realise that they've been aware of Gillett's work in the past, and not just from his time in the Championship, but his time in the A-League.

In March 2019, Gillett was mic'd up for his final match in the Australian top tier before leaving for England and it proved fascinating for viewers watching.

The referee, 32 at the time, took charge of Melbourne Victory's game against Brisbane Roar in what was his 159th match in the A-League.

All of his conversations with players and officials could be heard throughout, giving a unique insight into his relationship with the players but also providing further clarity as to why certain decisions had been made.

One incident that fans enjoyed being allowed access to was a tight offside call in the second half.

At first we hear Gillett consulting with his linesman and they decided to give the goal and review it. The man in the middle then speaks to Kris Griffiths-Jones, who was manning the VAR for the match.

The pair were both in agreement that the right call was made and that the defender played the ball, but Gillett asked the VAR official if he ought to "come and have a look to sell it?".

He proceeded to have a look at the VAR screen to confirm his decision was accurate and we then hear him give an explanation to Matty McKay of Brisbane Roar as to why the goal was legitimate.

Those who watch Premier League football are keen for the chiefs to implement this sort of process when it comes it VAR, with fans often left out of the loop.

There had been less annoyance about VAR and referees this season, with new measures brought in this season to make decisions less controversial.

However there were several decisions this weekend that fans weren't happy with, including Southampton failing to get a penalty vs Manchester City and Burnley befalling a similar fate against Arsenal.

Featured Image Credit: BT Sport

Topics: Football, Premier League, Newcastle United, Watford