The Club World Cup over in the USA has had a slow start despite huge spending from FIFA but some fans were left impressed at one aspect of Chelsea’s opening win against LAFC
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13:10, 17 Jun 2025
Pedro Neto
Pedro Neto's sensational skill was captured by the referee camera
(Image: @DAZNFootball)
Chelsea fans have demanded to see referee cameras in the Premier League after being left impressed by footage of Pedro Neto’s goal. The Blues took on MLS side LAFC in their opening group game of the Club World Cup.
Pedro Neto had given Enzo Maresca’s side in the first half, with Enzo Fernandez eventually securing victory late on. But it was the Portuguese winger’s strike that got Chelsea fans talking.
His brilliant solo effort was captured on the referee’s chest-mounted body camera, with some fans fawning over a brilliant skill he showed to skip inside before scoring past Hugo Lloris. And some fans have now called for the technology to be introduced into the Premier League from next season.
One fan said: "Ref cam will be a huge blessing in English football," while another replied to the Premier League asking: "Can we have this?"
"Wow. We need this in the PL," a final fan said. FIFA Referees Committee chairman and legendary referee Pierluigi Collina confirmed the introduction of ref cams ahead of the tournament.
READ MORE: FIFA make Club World Cup judgement despite clear issue during Chelsea matchREAD MORE: Enzo Maresca points finger at FIFA bosses after 'strange' Club World Cup opener
"Having a camera worn by the referee will give the TV viewers the possibility to put themselves in the referee’s shoes and they will watch what the referee can see live during the match," he said.
"It’s a new experience. It’s also understanding what a referee can see during different phases of play. And, yeah, I think it will also offer the possibility to TV viewers to understand how the referee’s job is difficult.”
The Premier League have actually had referee cams in the past, with Jarred Gillett wearing a camera during Crystal Palace’s 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United during the 2023/24 season. It remains to be seen if they feature again at some point in the future.
Pedro Neto
Pedro Neto's celebration was also caught on camera(Image: @DAZNFootball)
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And while Chelsea fans were left thrilled by the footage, Blues boss Maresca still had his complaints as his side played in a near-empty stadium. Speaking after Monday’s win, he said: “It was a good match, a good performance.
“I think the environment was a bit strange. You know, the stadium was almost empty. Not full. We prepared for this game also thinking that the environment was a bit different.
“But no doubt that the next one will be a nice one because we know that the Brazilian team, they always bring many, many fans. So we will try to be ready for the next one. We are professional and have to adapt to any situation or environment.”
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