English Championship has black referee for the first time in 15 years

Former firefighter Sam Allison, 42, became the first black referee to take charge of an English Premier League match in 15 years on Tuesday. He refereed Luton Town’s 3-2 victory over Sheffield United, a game that featured two turnovers and two own goals.

The first black referee to work in the English Championship was Uriah Rennie, who took charge of more than 300 top division games between 1997 and 2008.

The English Football Association has set targets to increase diversity in refereeing across the sport’s structure in the country and is seeking an increase of 1,000 female referees and 1,000 black or Asian referees at all levels within three years.

According to the federation, there are 32,000 referees working at all levels of football in England. Just over 8% identify as black or of Asian or mixed race descent. The percentage drops to 4% in men’s professional football.

The head of PGMOL (the entity that brings together referees), Howard Webb, stated that Allison’s selection comes at a “crucial moment” for the sport. On Saturday, Rebecca Welch became the first female referee in an English Championship game, in Burnley’s 2-0 victory over Fulham.

The game led by Sam Allison took place at Bramall Lane stadium, in Sheffield, and the referee handed out five yellow cards, all to players from the home team.

The match brought together two teams that are in the relegation zone and featured two comebacks and two own goals.

Luton Town opened the scoring in the 17th minute of the first half, through Lokonga. Sheffield United managed to turn things around in the second half, with McBurnie, in the 16th minute, and Ahmedhodzic, three minutes later. The visitors, however, regained the advantage on the scoreboard with own goals from Robinson in the 32nd minute and Slimane in the 36th.

Luton Town has 15 points, is in 18th place and returns to play on Saturday, when they host Chelsea. On the same day, bottom side Sheffield, with just 9 points, will go to Manchester to face City.

In another Boxing Day game, Bournemouth (25) defeated Fulham (21) 3-0.