Ligue 1 referee was mic'd up for Lyon vs Nantes game and it's a fascinating watch

Ligue 1 referee Benoit Millot was mic'd up for this month's clash between Lyon and Nantes – and it provided a fascinating insight into what officials say to players during a game.

It was reported back in March that French referees could be fully audio-equipped in the near future as the French Football Federation 'continue to push for the modernisation of the country’s refereeing system'.

The FFF asked the IFAB [The International Football Association Board that determines the Laws of the Game] for permission to give a microphone to referees.

And earlier this month, the French FA carried out a full-scale test of the sound system at the French Cup semi-final between Lyon and Nantes, courtesy of broadcaster Amazon Prime Video.

The American streaming service posted footage from Benoit Millot's outing at the Groupama Stadium on social media, with many giving their positive feedback in the comments section.

One fan reacted, saying: "Brilliant to see this. Never will happen in PL because there will be more transparency and everyone will realise how bad the standard is in the league," while another wrote: "More of this please. Premier League, your turn."

A third wrote: "I always love seeing things like this. Very insightful into what happens on the field."

A fourth added: "Best part about this is him switching languages based on the player he is speaking to. Seems like a small thing, but still a really nice touch."

This is what referees really say to footballers during a game... 🗣️

A fascinating insight from Ligue 1! 👀🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/jfBcyhSe0g

— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) April 18, 2023

In April last year, a referee was mic'd up for the first time in Sky Sports history.

Emily Heaslip had a mic attached to her for Chelsea's 5-0 win over Reading in the Women's Super League, with the ref awarding a penalty for a foul on Beth England inside the area.

Calm but authoritative, Heaslip made sure there was no encroaching in the area. You can clearly see the rapport she has developed with the players from both sides in the clip below.

A mic'd up referee has already happened in the A-League over in Australia during Jarred Gillett's final game.

Gillett, who now officiates in the English Football League, was overseeing the clash between the Brisbane Roar and the Western Sydney Wanderers at Suncorp Stadium.

Would you like to see a referee mic'd up in the Premier League in the not-so-distant future?

Let us know in the comments.