There is no reason for officials in charge of games involving Liverpool and the rest of the Premier League to wear body cameras, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted the introduction of body cameras on officials at grassroots level is to stop abuse.
The Daily Mail reported last week (11 October) that trials of the scheme are set to take place next year in adult grassroots games.
It is claimed there are no plans to introduce it in the Premier League as they do not want the technology to be hijacked by broadcasters.
“The truth is, at top-level football, there is sufficient video evidence,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“The whole reason for body cameras at grassroots level is security. The number of referees leaving the game at grassroots level is alarming.
“One of my colleagues is a very experienced referee at grassroots level and a very competent referee and he goes fishing at weekends now because he’s had enough of being abused.
“The abuse is getting to unacceptable levels and it’s impacting referees. Those who come into the game are walking away within a month.
“We saw rugby league referees wearing those ridiculous cameras on the TV that were almost like a miners helmet, a GoPro. It looked a bit ludicrous.
“This is about a deterrent, not broadcasting.”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has come under criticism for shouting in the face of an assistant referee during his side’s 1-0 win over Man City at the weekend (16 October).
The FA confirmed on Tuesday (18 October) that he has been hit with a charge after he was sent off at Anfield.