Premier
League referees are hoping to take charge of a series of friendlies over the
next fortnight as part of preparations for their return to competitive
action.
Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) members will hold talks this
week with the league's medical experts ahead of the proposed return of
Premier League fixtures behind closed doors on June 17.
In particular, the PGMOL is keen to consider what can be learned from the
four rounds of games played so far in the Bundesliga.
The lack of matches continues to hamper officials' preparations for a return
to competition, and referees in Germany had similar problems prior to their
return last month.
With Premier League clubs isolating their players in sterile 'bubbles', the
opportunities for referees to get up to speed are limited.
However, talks this week may consider a way for referees to take charge of
the behind-closed-doors games Premier League teams are organising.
Players and managers will not be cautioned for using foul language when
Premier League action returns, despite concerns that viewers and listeners
may hear more swearing.
However, it is expected that the Premier League will remind clubs that
players and managers should be mindful of what fans can hear.
Players will also be asked to remain two metres away when talking to match
officials, although they understand that, on some occasions, players will
come into close contact, such as when they are marking out 10 yards for
free-kicks.
All PGMOL officials, who hope social distancing can be encouraged wherever
possible, have remained fit and well during lockdown and all are keen to
return to match action later this month. They have all had regular video
conferencing sessions to help bring them up to speed.
To date, however, referees and assistants have not been tested for COVID-19,
although plans to introduce testing will be discussed this week and would
have to take place before they took charge of any potential friendlies.
Referees will be encouraged to continue the increased use of pitch-side
monitors - which were not consulted in a Premier League game until January
18 - while being advised by VAR colleagues at Stockley Park.
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