Share this @internewscast.com

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

Sam Allison has become the first black referee to officiate in the Premier League for 15 years in Sheffield United’s Boxing Day clash against Luton Town.

He also becomes just the second black referee in the Premier League’s history, following Uriah Rennie who last officiated a match in the top-flight back in 2008. 

In 2020, Allison became the first black official in English football’s top four divisions.

His first taste of Premier League action came as a fourth official during Brighton’s 4-1 victory over Chelsea in October 2022, and now he gets the chance to referee a top-flight game. 

Sam Allison (pictured) has become the first black Premier League referee in 15 years

Allison (centre) is officiating Sheffield United’s clash with Luton at Bramall Lane

Uriah Rennie (left) was the last and only black referee in the Premier League until now

Uriah Rennie (left) was the last and only black referee in the Premier League until now

Uriah Rennie (left) was the last and only black referee in the Premier League until now

BAMRef, which supports all black, Asian and mixed heritage referees, said: ‘We welcome this appointment.

‘It is a further step in the right direction towards refereeing reflecting society and the playing contingent within football.

‘It is also the culmination of years of hard work by BAMRef members. We hope to work with Howard Webb (Professional Game Match Officials Board chief) to identify and progress more black officials to the top flight.’

It comes after Rebecca Welch made history by becoming the first woman to referee a Premier League match.

The 40-year-old officiated Fulham’s game against Burnley at Craven Cottage, showing three yellow cards.

PGMOL chief, Webb, speaking about Welch and Allison’s appointments, told Sky Sports: ‘I’m excited to see the appointment of Rebecca Welch to her first Premier League referee’s appointment and, on Boxing Day, we’ll see Sam Allison taking charge of his first game.

‘They’re both part of the PGMOL’s development group. It’s an initiative tied into the elite referee development plan, which has been in place for a couple of years now to fast-track talented officials to the pathway.’

Allison is a former footballer who played for the likes of Swindon Town, Bristol City, Bournemouth and Exeter City. 

He took up refereeing 12 years ago, and for a while worked as both a match official and firefighter, before he looked at officiating on a full-time basis. 

Allison pictured taking a knee before kick-off at Bramall Lane on Tuesday afternoon

Allison pictured taking a knee before kick-off at Bramall Lane on Tuesday afternoon

Allison pictured taking a knee before kick-off at Bramall Lane on Tuesday afternoon

Rebecca Welch (right) made history on Sunday by becoming the first female Premier League referee

Rebecca Welch (right) made history on Sunday by becoming the first female Premier League referee

Rebecca Welch (right) made history on Sunday by becoming the first female Premier League referee

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, with a show every Monday and Thursday this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

 

Following his promotion in 2020, Sam has become the fifth black referee to officiate in the EFL, following in the footsteps of Rennie, Trevor Parkes, Phil Prosser and Joe Ross. 

He has since taken charge of over 100 matches in the EFL.  

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

‘Father-Son Bonding’ – Cristiano Ronaldo Celebrates Memorable Gym Session with Son Cristiano Jr.

Cristiano Ronaldo has earned a reputation for his unwavering commitment to fitness,…

Experience golf under the midnight sun in one of the world’s most stunning locations. Lofoten Links is a must-visit destination on your golfing bucket list.

As far as raw beauty goes, precious few golf courses in the…

Manchester United Needs to Back Erik ten Hag as Arsenal Did with Mikel Arteta, but Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford Won’t Lead to Titles

In an exclusive column for talkSPORT.com, Mark Goldbridge delivers his verdict on the…

Paul Pogba Overjoyed as He Makes Emotional Football Comeback After 18 Months Away Due to Doping Suspension

Paul Pogba has officially joined Monaco, finally returning to football after serving…

Boss Expresses Desire for Mason Greenwood’s Return to International Team

Mason Greenwood has been told he will be welcomed to the international…

Leaked: Club America’s Nostalgic 2025/26 Home Kit Revealed

Between 1994 and 1996, Mexican giants Club América wore one of the…

The MLS Archive Collection to Feature Retro Jerseys for 10 Additional Clubs in 2025

For the upcoming 2024 season, five MLS clubs, including Inter Miami and…

Empowered Lionesses Prepare for the Euros with In-Form Lauren James Set to Return

There was an unmistakable air of confidence hanging about the Lionesses’ sanctuary…

Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard Plans to Sue Two Publications After Wedding Turmoil with Photographer Removed by Security

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is taking legal action against two Norwegian publications…

“Moonbeams Murray Emerges from Hiding, Highlighting the Sensible Leadership of Rangers’ New Management, Writes GARY KEOWN”

No wild promises, talk of ‘low-ego decision-making’, a clear statement that this…