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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Sam Meade

Premier League referees 'taking refresher sessions on zoom' ahead of restart

Referees and assistants have been taking part in Zoom calls to ensure they are ready for the return of Premier League action.

The PGMOL are keen to avoid any high profile errors that may come as a result of the prolonged break.

Officials are not going to get any friendlies with which to get back up to speed.

As a result they have been gathering virtually to analyse old clips which also include VAR mishaps that have made for unwanted headlines this term.

Referees have been able to give feedback on various aspects while the absence of fans is another factor that has been discussed.

Officials have been on group Zoom calls (Richard Heathcote)

Playing games behind closed doors will reduce the noise levels meaning those on the pitch will be heard far easier by the viewer.

Foul language being picked up has been raised as a concern and it will put increased pressure on officials to ensure they do not allow it to go unpunished.

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg told the Daily Mail recently that a large chunk of an official's salary is based on game-by-game and performance-related bonus.

"Those bonuses account for around 50 per cent of their wage," he said.

Referees have been encouraged to use pitchside monitors (Action Images via Reuters)

"That is a big incentive to work but they have to make the decision for themselves and, like the players, they have to be tested regularly."

No official has said they do not want to return with the PGMOL monitoring the fitness of referees who have continued to train at home.

Prior to the two-month break officials were urged to make greater use of pitchside monitors following several contentious VAR calls.

That initiative is still being encouraged as the English top flight looks to further adapt to the divisive officiating system that is in its infancy.

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