History will be made in English Premier League refereeing around Christmas time
As the Premier League announced on Thursday, referee Rebecca Welch will be the first woman to officiate a match in England’s top soccer league when Fulham FC face Burnley FC on December 23.
In addition, on Boxing Day, the traditional Boxing Day, Sam Allison will be the first black referee since Uriah Rennie 15 years ago. The 42-year-old will referee the match between Sheffield United and Luton Town.
Allison has been working in the Championship this season, having refereed matches in League One and League Two last season. He has previously played soccer for Swindon, Bristol City, Bournemouth and Exeter City.
FIFA referee Welch has already become the first woman to make her debut in the men’s second division. At the end of November, the 40-year-old was offended by misogynistic chants in the stadium during the Championship match between Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday. Two young soccer fans were temporarily arrested.
Also in November, Welch was the fourth official to be appointed as a referee in the Premier League during Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.