League of Ireland referees will on Friday night trial a new technology that could lead to sweeping changes in how players and match officials communicate with each other.
Why? According to PFA Ireland general secretary Stephen McGuinness: “There might be more respect between players and officials because of the potential for sanctions." This season, two players have received 10-match bans because of slurs made within earshot of the referee. “It is being trialled for training purposes, but we would look for it to be extended to situations where a player says something that might lead to a suspension, or if the referee says something that could be considered disrespectful to a player,” said the PFA Ireland chief.