Sam Allison, a 42-year-old former firefighter, will become the first black referee in Premier League history for the first time in 15 years. He will preside over Sheffield United's match against Luton Town ahead of the boxing festival on 26 December. Since Uriah Rennie in 2008, it will be a black man officiating in the English top flight. The appointment was welcomed by the Bamrf organization, which supports Black, Asian and mixed-race referees.
They see this as a step to increase the diversity of the referee base and want to work with the top to identify and promote more blacks in the top flight. Dan Forbes, a Level 4 judge who served as Bamref, expressed confidence in Sam Allison's abilities. Forbes believes Allison's appointment is well deserved and that he will be able to withstand the pressure. Forbes also highlighted other talented referees, such as Lisa Rashid, Ruben Ricardo, and Aggie Ajiborah, who deserve similar opportunities.
For Allison, the historic moment comes after another important breakthrough after Rebecca Welch became the first female referee in Premier League history. Welch officiated at Fulham against Burnley on 23 December, and she gradually rose to the rank of a professional referee, having previously presided over university and Sunday league games. She also became the first female referee in the FA league in April 2021 and was the first female fourth referee for Manchester United's match against Fulham in November. Allison and Welch's accomplishments mark an important milestone in the diversification of the field of football refereeing.