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Sam Allison becomes first black referee in Premier League for 15 years and only the second ever | UK News

Sam Allison has become the first black referee to take charge of a game in the Premier League for 15 years and only the second ever.

The former firefighter had a dramatic debut, as he oversaw Luton Town’s 3-2 away win over fellow strugglers Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

The hosts were leading 2-1 but scored two own goals in the last 13 minutes.

Referee Sam Allison during the Premier League match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture date: Tuesday December 26, 2023.
Image:
Referee Sam Allison gets his yellow card out

Allison, 42, became the first black man to referee a match in England’s top division since Uriah Rennie in 2008.

He mostly stayed away from controversy, apart from a contentious decision to award a corner in the build-up to the first of United’s own goals by Jack Robinson.

Allison booked five players but didn’t send anyone off and was under the microscope for Sheffield United’s second goal which needed a VAR check before his decision was confirmed.

Speaking before the match, BAMRef – which offers guidance, support, mentoring and counselling to 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…

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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2023-12-26 17:00:00

By Sky News

Sky News is a British 24-hour information television channel, the first in Europe of its kind, launched on February 5, 1989 by the British Sky Broadcasting Company.

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