PUBLISHED : 23 Dec 2023 at 04:00
Craven Cottage will be the unlikely setting for a significant slice of history today as Rebecca Welch becomes the first woman to referee a Premier League match when Fulham take on Burnley.
The 40-year-old Durham lady has worked hard to reach this level and if all goes well it could pave the way for more female referees in the Football League.
In another important step, when Sheffield United play Luton Town on Boxing Day, Sam Allison will become the first black ref to be in charge of a Premier League game since Uriah Rennie retired in 2008.
“These are pivotal moments for Rebecca and Sam who are officials of real quality,” said referees chief Howard Webb last week.
The Welch appointment has been well…
