Sunny Singh Gill is about to achieve a monumental milestone in British football history as he becomes the first British South Asian to referee a Premier League match. This accomplishment is even more significant considering his family’s rich heritage in the world of refereeing. Born into a family where officiating runs deep in their blood, Sunny’s father, Jarnail, paved the way by officiating 150 matches between 2004 and 2010, making him the first and only English league football referee to wear a turban.
Last season, Singh Gill broke barriers when he took charge of a League 2 game between Northampton and Hartlepool, becoming the first British South Asian to referee a league game since his father more than a decade ago. Adding to this groundbreaking achievement, in January last year, his younger brother Bhupinder made history by becoming the first Sikh-Punjabi to serve as an assistant referee in a Premier League game between Southampton and Nottingham Forest.
In an unprecedented move, the Gill brothers etched their names in history books in April 2021 when they became the first British South Asian pair to officiate in the same Championship game. This dynamic duo is not only making strides in their individual careers but also collectively breaking down barriers for British South Asians in the football world. Sunny’s upcoming debut as a Premier League referee signifies a monumental moment for representation and diversity in the sport.
Expanding Horizons in Premier League Refereeing
Sunny Singh Gill’s inclusion as the seventh referee outside of Professional Game Match Officials Limited’s Select Group to officiate a Premier League match this season marks a significant shift towards inclusivity and representation in British football. Alongside other trailblazers such as Sam Allison, Sam Barrott, Bobby Madley, Josh Smith, Rebecca Welch, and Lewis Smith, Sunny is at the forefront of breaking traditional norms and diversifying the landscape of refereeing in the top-tier league.
Sunny Singh Gill’s historic moment as the first British South Asian to referee a Premier League match symbolizes a step towards a more inclusive and diverse football community. His journey, intertwined with his family’s legacy, serves as an inspiration for aspiring referees from all backgrounds. As the football world continues to embrace and celebrate diversity, Sunny’s achievement stands as a testament to the power of representation and breaking down barriers in sports.
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