PSG v Toulouse referee to be mic'd up for VAR, Ligue 1 first | OneFootball

Ligue 1 will trial a mic'd-up referee at PSG v Toulouse on Friday, matchday 28, the LFP announced. For the first time in the French top flight, the referee will be audible in the stadium and on television during VAR.

The microphone will be activated by the video assistant referee from the supervision centre and will only be live when video assistance is used. The referee’s words will be relayed to the crowd and broadcasters.

The initiative is intended to improve transparency and help fans understand decisions. Éric Wattellier will take charge, with Mathieu Vernice and Dominique Julien on VAR.

After the match, a full evaluation will assess the technical aspects and public perception. Depending on the findings, further trials could follow before the end of the season, with a view to wider deployment next season.

Rugby has long used open microphones for referees, with exchanges heard and discussed by TV audiences. In recent months, explanations of key decisions have also been played inside stadiums.

Source: Le Progres