Sam Allison is set to make history on Boxing Day as he takes charge of the Sheffield United vs Luton match, becoming only the second black referee to officiate a Premier League game. The last black referee in the Premier League was Uriah Rennie in 2008, marking a 15-year gap for a Black, mixed, or a person of colour to lead as a match referee.

Allison, a retired footballer and former firefighter, brings a unique skill set to the role, especially given the intense scrutiny Premier League officials face, particularly in the context of VAR controversies experience at the fire station could come in handy.

The appointment aligns with PGMOL chief Howard Webb’s commitment to addressing diversity in men’s football by providing more opportunities for Black match officials. This initiative reflects a broader effort to foster inclusivity and representation within the sport. Earlier this year, Akil Howson broke barriers as the first match official since Rennie to officiate in the Premier League, primarily serving as an assistant referee.

In another significant milestone for diversity in football officiating, Rebecca Welch is slated to make history as the first female referee in the Premier League. She will officiate the fixture between Fulham and Burnley on December 23rd. These groundbreaking appointments mark positive strides toward a more inclusive and representative landscape in football officiating.