Wendy Toms, the only female assistant referee in the Premiership, has become the first victim of the high-tec revolution and wants nothing more to do with it.
Two hours before the kick-off in the match between Aston Villa and Liverpool, referee Rob Harris and his two assistants walked on to the pitch to check their earpieces and microphones.

However, Wendy was forced to wrench hers out of her ear after hearing a piercing scream.  Within 15 minutes she was white and shaking and in such distress that Villa's club doctor had to be called.  He confirmed her inner ear was damaged, which badly affected her balance, and said there was no way she could play any part in the match.  The forth official was promoted to run the line and Premiership referee Mike Reed, who was a Villa Park spectator, stepped in as the forth official.