26 December 2023 , 15:00
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Sam Allison has become the Premier League's first black referee for 15 years by taking charge of Sheffield United's game with Luton.
The English top-flight has not seen a black referee since Uriah Rennie, who was the only black official in the competition's history until Boxing Day. Rennie took charge of matches for 11 seasons before retiring in 2008 and Allison has now followed in his footsteps at Bramall Lane.
Allison was promoted to the Football League in 2020 and was rewarded with Championship officiating at the start of the current season. He was first involved in a Premier League outing as a fourth official during Brighton's 4-1 victory over Chelsea in October 2022.
BAMRef, who offer guidance, support, mentoring and counselling to black, Asian and mixed heritage referees, said on Alisson's imminent debut: "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."
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Alisson's landmark moment comes just three days after Rebecca Welch became the first woman to referee a Premier League match. The 40-year-old took charge Fulham ' loss against Burnley at Craven Cottage, showing three yellow cards.
Sam Allison took charge of Sheffield United vs Luton in the Premier League on Boxing Day (PA)There has been a push for more black and women officials to rise through the ranks. There have been those who've spoken about the barriers they've faced but Allison admits he's only received support from the major organisations in English football.
“I’ve only experienced success in the refereeing world,” he said. “ The FA and the PGMOL (the organisation that selects referees) have been very supportive. I’m not saying that I’m blinkered and that other people haven’t had issues, but I can’t necessarily say I’ve had them directly.”
He also added: “Because I’ve been under that pressure, that scrutiny. I know how tough it’s been for my family, so I’m happy – I am so, so happy. The hard work is paying off. We’re getting somewhere."